Aardvark Orycteropus afer

Aardvarks are native to sub-Saharan Africa. The name comes from the Dutch/Africaans for earth pig, but despite the resemblance they are not related to pigs. They are burrowing ant-eaters but are not related to the South American anteaters either; they are distantly related to elephants and elephant shrews.

Aarvarks are mainly nocturnal and are solitary other than when mating or (for females) raising young. They dig several burrows and old burrows/tunnels are used by other wildlife.

They protect themselves from predators by sealing burrows or by using their strong, sharp claws.