endangered!
This is the Cape Pangolin also known as the Manis temminckii by scientists.
Habitat
The pangolin likes arid, barren
areas with sandy ground.
It lives on the ground and uses
its hind legs to walk--protecting its digging claws.
The cape pangolin gives birth in
underground dens.
Appearance
The cape pangolin has a shingled
exterior shell. These shingles are periodically shed and replaced. They
vary in color from yellowish-brown to dark brown or olive. This mammal
has a cone-shaped head and a long, thick tail.\
Because of its tiny ears
it has bad hearing. It has no teeth or chewing muscles.
To protect it from biting insects,
this animal has thick eyelids.
General information
The cape pangolin is often referred to as an artichoke animal.
Food
The pangolin relies on its good
sense of smell to catch food. The pangolin eats ants and termites that
it slurps up with its giant sticky tongue. Instead of chewing with its
mouth, it grinds up these insects in its horny stomach.
