Habitat:
savannah, grasslands, arid areas

Activity period :
Mainly active at night, generally discreet during the day.

Identification and description:
The aardwolf, or Proteles cristata, is an insectivorous mammal belonging to the Hyaenidae family, although it differs from hyenas by its diet, which mainly consists of termites. It is recognizable by its striped coat, erect mane, and slender build. Aardwolves are primarily nocturnal, allowing them to avoid the daytime heat in the arid and semi-arid regions of East and Southern Africa where they reside. They dig burrows to rest and protect themselves from predators. Although solitary, they can be observed in small family groups. Their ability to digest termites is aided by a long, sticky tongue.

Recommended lens:
400mm – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.

Photography tips:
To photograph the aardwolf, focus on nighttime hours, as this animal is primarily active at night. Use a telephoto lens of at least 400mm to capture detailed images from a distance without disturbing its natural behavior. Be patient and wait for it to emerge from its burrow or move around in search of termites. A tripod can be helpful to stabilize the camera in low-light conditions.