The Encyclopedia Americana (1920)/Aardvark

AARDVARK, ärd′värk (Dutch, “earth-pig”), the Cape ant-eater (Orycteropus capensis). Also called ground-hog and ant-bear. A South African mammal measuring about five feet from end of tubular snout to tip of long naked tail. It lives in shallow burrows and is of timid, nocturnal habit; it feeds on ants and other insects, licking them up with a long tongue which secretes a sticky saliva. The head is slightly pig-like, with erect ears; the stout body is sparsely covered with short stiff hairs; the limbs are short, with strong claws for digging; the flesh is edible and considered delicate, though of peculiar flavor. See Ant-eater.