Every continent and country is home to unique animal life. Most countries also have a national animal – South Africa’s is the springbok. Here’s more on national animals, including the wolf, bison and panda. And then let’s look at two rather odd creatures that aren’t national animals but are fascinating nonetheless . . .
South Africa: Aardvark
SA has a variety of interesting animals, from the hippo to the giraffe. But let’s find out more about a species we don’t often give a thought to: the aardvark (Orycteropus Afer). This animal, which looks like a pig but is actually related to an elephant, is common in the savannas of sub-Saharan Africa. The aardvark (Afrikaans for “earth pig”) – also known as the African anteater – is nocturnal, which means it sleeps during the hot day in its cool underground burrow and comes out at night to forage.
