Aardvarks
PMF IAS Impact: 40 Direct Hits in Prelims 2024 and 53 Direct Hits in Prelims 2025!
- Context (DTE): Warming climate is negatively impacting the chances of long-term survival of aardvarks.
- Aardvarks are medium-sized burrowing nocturnal mammals native to Africa.
- They’re the only surviving member of the Tubulidentata order.
- They belong to the same group of mammals as African elephants.
- Despite their appearance, they are not related to bears, pigs or anteaters.
- They are considered to be living fossils due to their ancient, highly conserved genetic make-up.
- Appearance: Elongated Head with long protruding narrow snout and nostrils. Short neck connected to hairless body.
- Habitat: Savannas, Shrublands, grasslands and woodlands.
- IUCN Status: Least Concern
- Threats: Hunting for bush meat, Habitat loss.
