AARDWOLF

Aardwolf (Proteles cristatus) (species Proteles cristatus), African carnivore generally placed in the family Hyaenidae but separated by some authorities as the family Protelidae. The aardwolf, whose name in Afrikaans means "earth wolf," resembles a small striped hyena. It is yellowish with vertical black stripes and a bushy, black-tipped tail, and it bears a long, coarse mane of erectile hairs along the length of its back. It has longer front than hind legs, large ears, a pointed muzzle, and weak jaws and teeth. Its length varies from 55 to 80 cm (22 to 32 inches) exclusive of the 20- to 30-centimetre tail, and it weighs from 8 to 12 kg (17 to 26 pounds). The aardwolf lives on the open, grassy plains of southern and eastern Africa. There are two geographically separate populations, one centred in South Africa and the other extending from central Tanzania northward to southern Egypt. The aardwolf feeds largely on termites, particularly on the species Trinervitermes trinervoides. It is nocturnal, lives in a burrow, and is usually solitary but may forage in small packs. The litter generally consists of three or four young. The aardwolf is harmless and shy; when attacked, as by dogs, it emits a musky-smelling fluid and may fight.