A Hyena That Eats Termites?

Hyenas are mainly regarded as predators. Big males can weigh over 200 pounds, and are well-known as great antelope and buffalo hunters. Do you realize though that some hyenas even eat very small animals? This creature is termites. Yes, termites! Then check out this weird fact about hyenas.

What Are Hyenas?

Hyenas are the African and parts of Asian animals as a mammals. They are called carnivores because they generally eat meat. Four Species of Hyena — spotted hyena, brown hyena, striped hyenas and aardwolf. Only the aardwolf eats only termites.

The Aardwolf: A Special Hyena

The Aardwolf Is Unlike Any Other Hyena It eats bugs, especially termites – hence its relatives’ propensity to raid my cupboards. Aardwolves have long tongues for snagging these miniscule prey items. Did you know that they can consume thousands of termites within a single night!

How aardwolves locate termites

Aardwolves are smart hunters. They have a great sense of smell and can easily locate termite nests. When they discover a hill, they start digging. They are also able to tunnel very quickly into the tree because they taste delicious termites. Their tongues are long because they use them to lick up the termites once found.

Why Aardwolves Bite the Bullet

This aardwolf makes good use of termites as its preferred food. Termites are readily available and contain a lot of protein. It is this protein that allows the aardwolf to run and hunt, so does it then go without saying that you could argue honey badgers are able hunters because elles their porridge. The fact that termites are small means aardwolves can also eat more of them. They do not have to hassle with having other big animals in the vicinity when it comes down for food.

Conclusion

Only some hyenas are big game hunters But hyenas can be gentle insect-eaters, as the aardwolf demonstrates. Aardwolves within the hyena family are unique in this dietary behavior. Well folks, that is an aardwolf — and the next time you think of hyenas or termites have no fear; especially if it comes in combo!