Southern Aardwolf Proteles cristata

The Aardwolf looks similar to a small, slim Striped Hyena (or small striped Alsation dog with a mane) and is usually classed as a hyena although it has very different habits. Despite the doglike appearance, hyenas are more closely related to cats.

Aardwolves have two distinct populations, one in Southern Africa and one in East Africa. The one shown here is the Southern Aardwolf which some now classify as a subspecies (P. c. cristata). This population is darker, redder and shaggier and a little smaller than the sandier, sleeker Eastern Aardwolf shown overleaf.

Unlike true hyenas, the Aardwolf does not scavenge or eat carrion. It is almost totally insectivorous, eating mainly termites with its long, sticky tongue. It has teeth mainly for fighting/defence. The mane can be raised to make the animal look bigger. The Aardwolf is mainly nocturnal, resting in burrrows for most of the day. They live in monogamous pairs, defending a territory.