The average lifespan for an aardvark is 23 years. Aardvarks are mammals that live in savannas, grasslands, woodlands, and brushlands in sub-Saharan Africa. One of their closest living relatives is the elephant. Aardvarks eat termites and ants, up to 50,000 in a single night, and are exceptionally good at digging and burrowing. Their sticky tongue is suited for finding and catching their food of choice. Their name is derived from the Afrikaan language meaning earth or ground pig. They are commonly referred to as anteaters, antbears, or earthhogs. They sleep in underground burrows during the day and come out at night to eat.