Activity patterns, home ranges and burrow use of aardvarks (Orycteropus afer) in the Karoo

摘要: Eight aardvarks Orycteropus afer were fitted with radio-transmitters at Tussen die Riviere Nature Reserve between June 1996 and December 1997. Two became habituated could be approached to a distance of 1 m. Activity patterns, home ranges burrow use investigated using telemetry direct observations. In winter, emerged above ground earlier, returned burrows earlier active for shorter periods than in summer. They nocturnal except occasionally winter when some individuals foraged before sunset. Home varied 133 ha 302 range overlap occurred within both sexes. Densities c. eight animals per 1000 ha. Aardvarks used steep slopes (>15°) less would have been expected according availability. Average lengths consecutive three 4.9, 6.9 8.6 days, being abandoned after only day one 38 days.