Climate Change Drives Aardvarks Out in Starvation

Daytime sightings of aardvarks are slowly becoming common as global warming brings drought in the African area where these elusive animals live. This strange activity from the notoriously nocturnal aardvarks indicates a bigger problem that affects a diverse ecosystem.

These elusive mammals exclusively feed on termites and ants. They are busiest after sunset when they hunt for food. Their daytime activity suggests challenges in finding food in the drier parts of southern Africa.

Threats to Survival

While aardvarks are generally out of sight, the warming temperature drives them out of their natural routine. Over the past 50 years, temperatures in many conservation areas in South Africa have risen by 2°C.

A study reveals that aardvarks may be directly threatened by climate change. The increase in heat and aridity could potentially make them more diurnal as their energetic costs become compromised.

Aardvarks may also be indirectly affected by the rapid change in environmental conditions as climate change influences the availability of prey.