Cafian Pangolin

The Cafian Pangolin, sometimes known as Nacafian Anteater, is an insectivorous mammal native to the Grasslands of the Eastern Continent, especially the Northern Nacafian Steppe. Besides the Royal Heron, the Cafian Pangolin is one of Nacafi's national emblem animals.
== Description ==
Cafian Pangolins are covered in sharp, protective keratin scales. When threatened, they will curl up into a defensive ball, protecting their vulnerable body parts. They have short legs, a long tail and an oblonged snout. Their feet have powerful claws, which they use to dig burrows or penetrate termite hills. The pangolin's overlong tongue is perfectly adapted to their diet based on termites and ants. Their face, legs and belly are covered in soft fur, with the ears being especially bushy.
== Habitat ==
The Cafian Pangolin either digs their own burrow, searches for an abandoned one or drives meerkats out of theirs. In doing so, they often encounter steppe snakes, their natural enemies. In a group, the pangolins can shoo away snakes that are much larger than themselves.
Cafian Pangolins are nocturnal and sleep inside their burrows during the day.
== In Nacafian Culture ==
The Cafian Pangolin is an important animal in Nacafian folklore. In some legends, they are said to have been ordinary rats that began to inhabit the leftover armors of fallen warriors. In fact, before iron became more abundant, traditional Nacafian armor was made using pangolin scales. In some areas, their scales also served as a form of currency.
The Pangolin is one of Nacafi's emblem animals next to the Royal Heron. While the heron resembles courage, patience and cleverness, the pangolin stands for defence, awareness and sociability.
Category:Nacafi