What is a "aardwolf"?

The aardwolf is a unique mammal that is part of the hyena family but has a markedly different lifestyle. It has a small, slender body with distinctive vertical stripes on its fur, giving it a striking appearance. Aardwolves are primarily insectivorous, with termites making up the majority of their diet. They are primarily nocturnal, spending their days resting in burrows or hidden vegetation and emerging at night to forage for food. Aardwolves have specialized teeth and a long, sticky tongue to help them consume large quantities of termites. They are solitary animals or live in small family groups, and are known for their shy and elusive nature. Despite their unique appearance and ecological role as termite hunters, aardwolves are generally less well-known than their larger and more charismatic hyena relatives.