Common name : Maanhaar Jackal, Civet Hyena
Scientific name : Proteles Cristata
Family : Hyaenidae
Native to : East and North Africa, Southern Africa
Interesting fact : An aardwolf’s diet consists almost exclusively of termites. It can eat up to 3,00,000 termites per night. The aardwolf is the only species of a hyena with five toes on its front feet. All other hyenas have four toes.
Conservation status : Least Concern
The aardwolf prefers a diet of insects’ larvae; termites are a favourite. Their habitat is specific to where termites are found. Breeding in South Africa occurs in July, with gestation lasting between 89 to 92 days. They produce two to five cubs in November-December, when termites are found in plenty due to the rainy season.
