Aardvark washes up on Cape Town’s Sunset Beach, Milnerton Posted on 14 January 2023 Cape Town photographers Alex and Juanita Aitkenhead captured a female African Ant Bear (Aardvark) washed up at Sunset Beach, Milnerton, on Friday at around 6pm. The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds has removed the animal and handed it over to wildlife services for evaluation. Picture: Alex and Juanita Aitkenhead / Shared with permission The aardvark is a nocturnal mammal native to Africa. It is the only living species of the order Tubulidentata. A small population is found in the Western Cape’s Peninsula and along the Garden Route. These mammals have a long snout to sniff out food. They can weigh up to 80kg and pair only during the breeding season, after a gestation period of seven months. The aardvark is born with conventional incisors and canines at the front of the jaw, which falls out and is not replaced. Adult aardvarks have only cheek teeth at the back of the jaw. They have large toes, each with a robust, shovel-like nail for digging and burrowing. In terms of population, there are no definitive counts because of their nocturnal and secretive habits. However, due to their large range, they maintain sufficient numbers. Still, it’s an uncommon occurrence to see one washed up on the beach. ‘We are convinced it was a trafficked animal that died and was tossed overboard, maybe one or two hours before we found her, as she was in an immaculate condition when discovered in the surf.’ Alex commented. Picture: Alex and Juanita Aitkenhead / Shared with permission Picture: Alex and Juanita Aitkenhead / Shared with permission Picture: Alex and Juanita Aitkenhead / Shared with permission Picture: Alex and Juanita Aitkenhead / Shared with permission Picture: Alex and Juanita Aitkenhead / Shared with permission Visit alexaitkenhead.co.za for more wildlife and travel photography. ALSO READ: Kruger’s strangest animal: 7 things you didn’t know about the Aardvark Related Posts Cape Town’s sustainability: Leading the way in environmental initiatives 1 June 2023 As National Environmental Month commences in South Africa, Cape Town stands proudly at the forefront... read more Kapama to host Safari Guide of the Year Awards 2023 1 June 2023 Kapama Private Game Reserve near Hoedspruit will host this year’s Safari Guide of the Year... read more Blood Lions relaunches for public viewing on YouTube 1 June 2023 Award-winning documentary feature film Blood Lions has been relaunched on YouTube for public viewing, creating... read more PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
Cape Town’s sustainability: Leading the way in environmental initiatives 1 June 2023 As National Environmental Month commences in South Africa, Cape Town stands proudly at the forefront... read more
Kapama to host Safari Guide of the Year Awards 2023 1 June 2023 Kapama Private Game Reserve near Hoedspruit will host this year’s Safari Guide of the Year... read more
Blood Lions relaunches for public viewing on YouTube 1 June 2023 Award-winning documentary feature film Blood Lions has been relaunched on YouTube for public viewing, creating... read more
