The aardwolf (Proteles cristatus) is a mainly nocturnal
carnivore that is native to the arid and rocky regions of southern and eastern
Africa.
Its colouring is yellowish grey with dark crosswise stripes.
The conspicuous mane of long hair stretches from the nape of the neck to reach over
the back, continuing as a bushy tail.
The shape of the aardwolf is similar to that of the hyaena,
but its skeleton is more slender and its skull more elongated. Whereas hyaenas
have five digits on both fore and hind limbs, the aardwolf has only four digits
on its hind feet.
Aardwolves have small teeth that are widely spaced, the
molars being completely rudimentary. This relates to the nature of their diet,
which is mainly insects (especially termites) and birds’ eggs.
© John Welford
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