The aardvark (Orycteropus afer) ranges widely across sub-Saharan Africa and inhabits semi-arid areas such as savannas, scrublands, and forests except swamp forests. Body length is about 1–1.5 m and weight is 39–82 kg. The forefeet have four toes and the hindfeet five toes, all equipped with sturdy spade-shaped claws suited for digging. It feeds mainly on ants and termites and also consumes beetles. Nocturnal and primarily solitary, it travels 2–5 km daily and lives in long burrows with multiple entrances. Gestation lasts about seven months and usually results in a single young; individuals typically reach sexual maturity at around two years of age. The IUCN lists it as Least Concern, but habitat destruction and hunting for bushmeat are localized threats.