The aardvark is a nocturnal mammal native to Africa. It has a long snout, large ears, and a stout body covered with coarse fur. Aardvarks primarily feed on ants and termites, using their strong claws to dig into mounds and burrows. They have a unique digestive system that allows them to extract nutrients from their insect diet. Aardvarks are solitary animals and are most active at night. They can be found in various habitats, including savannas, grasslands, and forests. Their name comes from the Afrikaans language, meaning "earth pig," due to their burrowing habits and pig-like appearance.