The Ground Pangolin (Smutsia temminckii) is a species of pangolin native to Eastern and Southern Africa. They are also known as scaly anteaters because of their insectivorous diet and the keratin scales on their back for protection from predators like lions, spotted hyenas, cheetahs, african wild dogs, African leopards, caracals, and servals. If that doesn't work, they'll use their sharp-scaled tail to lash out at predators. Pangolins can also secrete a foul-smelling spray from their anal gland, in a similar fashion as a skunk, if they feel threatened. Their long claws help them to break into termite mounds and ant nests. They sometimes eat small pebbles to help grind insects in their stomach and aid digestion. It is threatened with extinction due to habitat loss and illegal trafficking.
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