#temminckii

this is honestly one of the funniest things ive drawn in a while

🐢Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macroclemys temminckii) 🐢

Thanks to all the new followers, and rhamphoctheca especially!! I'm feeling good today, so today is my favorite animal (currently).

Ground Pangolin or Cape Pangolin (Smutsia temminckii or Manis temminckii) - 

This terrestrial insectivore can grow up to about 3.5 feet and weigh around 40 lbs.  The pangolin is the only mammal to be covered in hard keratin scales.  They are stalky, robust animals that trek about on their stubby hind legs, and use their large tails for balance.  They travel like this to protect their sharp claws that they need for digging and hills and termite mounds. 

Mostly nocturnal, they spend the day curled up in burrows, usually of other animals.  Their scales make for poor insulation, but excellent protection against predators and sharp rocks in its burrow.  They have an excellent sense of smell and can detect underground insect nests.  While digging and feeding, it can close its ear holes, nostrils and eyes, each covered with thick skin to protect against bites.  Their 6 inch tongues are stored in a pouch in its throat.  Baby pangolins (bottom right) hold on to their mothers' backs, similar to anteaters. 

All Asian and African pangolins are in danger of illegal hunting, habitat invasion and poaching.