The aardwolf (Proteles cristatus) is a nocturnal mammal native to eastern and southern Africa, known for its unique diet that primarily consists of termites. Unlike its hyena relatives, the aardwolf has a more slender build, large ears, and a long, bushy tail. It possesses specialized teeth for its soft insectivorous diet and uses its powerful sense of smell to locate termite mounds. Aardwolves are typically solitary or found in monogamous pairs and are important for controlling termite populations in their ecosystems.