Short answer: A group of Aardvarks is called an Armoury.
Quick Facts
| Animal | Aardvarks |
|---|---|
| Category | Mammals |
| Scientific name | Orycteropus afer |
| Primary noun | Armoury |
| Alternates |
Why “Armoury”?
Aardvarks are generally solitary animals, so a gathering of them would be extremely rare. The “Armoury” reference is most likely due to their hard outer “shell” that resembles heavy armor and because of their powerful digging abilities. Aardvarks create strong underground structures which often resemble underground fortresses (armoury).
Where does the name Aardvark come from?
Aardvark Origins
The name Aardvark originates from the Afrikaans language of South Africa, where it means “earth pig”.
Etymology of Aardvark
Aarde: From Afrikaans (derived from Middle Dutch) meaning “earth” or “ground”.
Vark: From Afrikaans (derived from Middle Dutch) meaning “pig”.
Why “Earth Pig”?
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Pig-like Characteristics:
The aardvark’s snout, robust build, and sparse hair bear a striking resemblance to a pig, a similarity noted by early European settlers. -
Digging Behavior:
The “earth” in its name reflects the aardvark’s tendency to excavate burrows in the ground, where it rests during the day to avoid the heat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aardvarks
What is a group of Aardvarks called?
An Armoury.
What is an aardvark?
An aardvark is a nocturnal mammal native to East and Southern Africa, known for its long snout, stocky body, and burrowing habits. It belongs to the order Tubulidentata, not closely related to pigs despite its nickname “earth pig.”
Why are aardvarks called “earth pigs”?
The name comes from their pig-like snout, sturdy build, and sparse hair, which reminded early European colonists of pigs. The “earth” part refers to their behavior of digging burrows to sleep during the day and escape heat.
What do aardvarks eat?
Aardvarks primarily feed on ants and termites, using their long, sticky tongue to extract insects from mounds. They have a keen sense of smell to locate their prey.
Where do aardvarks live?
Aardvarks inhabit savannas, grasslands, and woodlands across East and Southern Africa, preferring areas with loose soil for digging burrows and finding food.
Are aardvarks endangered?
Aardvarks are not currently endangered and are listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN. However, habitat loss and human activities can pose local threats to their populations.