Erdwolf Proteles cristatus (Sparrman, 1783)
English: Aardwolf; French: Protèle, Loup fouisseur; Afrikaans: Aardwolf, Maanhaarjakkals; Amharic: Oemer Jib; Herero: Ekundi; Kiswahili: Fisi ndogo, Lekimbu; Kung: Nc'aa, Hi; Shangan: Inthuhu; Sindebele: Inthuhu; Sotho: Sethukhu; Tswana: Thuku, Thokowi; Xhosa: Inchi, Inyongli; Zulu: Ibinci, Ibanci.
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Former distribution: Eastern Africa from Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, east Central African Republic; Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Angola, Namibia, Botswana and South Africa to the Cape.
Present distribution: From south-eastern Egypt along the dry coastal areas to north-eastern Sudan, eastern Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, north-eastern Tanzania, Uganda, south-eastern Central African Republic, southern Angola, Namibia, Botswana: southern Zambia and southern Zimbabwe. In South Africa only in north-western parts and in north-eastern parts into Mozambique, as well as in some restricted areas north of East London.
Behaviour: Preferred habitat: open dry plains and thornbush country, open woodlands and savannas; normally live singly, in pairs and sometimes in groups; activity predominantly nocturnal; diet includes termites, insects, eggs and carrion. Predators include lions, leopards, hyenas and pythons.
Population status: Although reduced, populations in most areas still stable due to their shy nocturnal habits.
Brief notes:
Body weight: 8-12 kg
Head and body length: 65-80 cm
Tail length: 20-30 cm
Shoulder height: 45-55 cm
Gestation period: 59-61 days
Maximum age: 12 years, 13 years in captivity
Trophy: Skull length 13.5 cm
Hunting methods: Casual stalking
Subspecies: 2
1. Proteles c. cristatus From Zimbabwe, south to the Cape. Stable.
2. Proteles c. septentrionalis From central to North Africa. Stable.
Remarks: Many Aardwolves are killed at night by cars; they appear confused by the lights and are not able to escape quickly like other game.
Bilder:
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