Page 13 - Atlas Of The World's Strangest Animals

AARDVARK 13

in their burrows, emerging only late in the afternoon Aardvarks are terrific tunnellers and, if trouble strikes, they
or even after sunset.Then they may range up to 30km can dig themselves to safety in a matter of minutes.
(18.6 miles) in the search for food – ants, termites and When digging, the aardvark rests on its hind legs and
the aardvark cucumber, the only fruit they will eat. tail, pushing the soil under its body with its fore feet and
Above ground, aardvarks appear slow and clumsy, but dispersing it with its hind feet.This is such an efficient
when danger threatens, these cautious creatures can move technique that there are records of one aardvark digging
with surprising speed – bolting for the safety of the nearest faster than a team of men with shovels! Such a powerful
subterranean sanctuary. Most aardvarks have several set of claws and paws also make superb defensive weapons.
burrows in their territory. Some are just temporary When cornered, these stocky animals can give as good as
refuges, comprised of a short passageway. Others are they get.Tail and claws combined are usually enough to
extensive tunnel systems connecting several entrances, with deter all but the hungriest predator. If that doesn’t do the
a spacious sleeping chamber at one end. Even if an animal trick, the aardvark will often roll onto its back so that it
is caught away from its burrow, this presents few problems. can strike out with all four feet – a killer combination.

Aardvarks are ‘nocturnal’ and are most active at night. Keeping his sensitive nose to the ground, this hungry aardvark
On warm evenings, they emerge from their burrows just patrols the area with a zigzagging motion, until he sniffs out a
after dusk. termite mound.

Powerful claws create a hole in the side of the mound, Up to 45.7cm (18in) long, the aardvark’s sticky tongue is its
through which the insects swarm to attack the secret weapon – perfect for lapping up termites or ants! The
unwelcome invader. aardvark’s thick skin protects it from the insects’ stings.

(c) 2011 Marshall Cavendish. All Rights Reserved.