Hello everyone! Apologies for being so quiet on here lately. At the moment I am investing all my social media energies into the spectacular animal pictured above - which unfortunately also holds the status of the most illegally traded mammal in the world.
Pangolins are extraordinary animals. They are the world’s only truly scaly mammals, and when curled up, this tough coat of armour makes them almost completely predator-proof! Pangolins are expert anteaters, consuming more than 70 million ants and termites per year with a sticky tongue so incredibly long that it is rooted in their pelvis. Whilst raiding the nests of their prey, they are able to seal their eyes, ears and nostrils shut in order to protect them from swarming ants and their bites or stings, while their scales keep them away from their skin. Sadly, while these scales are an excellent adaptation to the pangolin’s natural environment and lifestyle, they also put them at great risk of wildlife trafficking. Made of keratin, the same as rhino horn and just like our hair or fingernails, they are believed to have medicinal properties in parts of Asia and Africa, which has led to unsustainable levels of poaching and illegal trade of these unique and fascinating creatures.
To come top in this would be an AMAZING boost for raising awareness of pangolins and the threats they face as the most illegally trafficked mammals on the planet. World Pangolin Day is also coming up on the 20th of February and it would really add to our celebrations for Sunda pangolins to have just been crowned the world’s favourite underappreciated species!
To find out more about why Sunda pangolins deserve a whole lotta love read our blog post here and then please cast your vote for the Sunda pangolin before midnight PST tomorrow!!
Thank you all and please share far and wide to help spread the love :)
Nature art is 25% off thru June 4 at me @etsy store. Free shipping on all orders over $35. Link in my bio. . www.Etsy.com/shop/beckytylerart . #drawing #drawings #drawingsofinstagram #art #artist #artistsoninstagram #prismacolor #coloredpencil #pencildrawing #animalart #natureart #octopus #pangolin #panda #tiger #nature #instaart #instagood #instaanimal #etsy #etsygifts #etsyfinds #etsyseller #etsyshop #etsystore #shopsmall #smallbiz #nofilter https://www.instagram.com/p/CeV-Z0oubw7/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
SUNDA PANGOLIN is one of 8 species of pangolin, and these little guys are from Southeast Asia. Sunda Pangolin or Malayan Pangolin prefer forests and may burrow in trees like this one. Their unique scales, (which are made out of same protein as our hair and nails!) are great protection for them when they are feasting on ant colonies that probably won’t like that very much.
Other than their large, curved claws, their super long tongue and super sticky saliva are great for digging into those trees and log to find their meal. They also walk on their hind legs while balancing with their long tail, giving them a super cute and funny walk.
They are unfortunately one of the world’s most trafficked mammals due to their meat being considered a delicacy and their scales being used in traditional medicine throughout Asia. Them reproducing only once per year doesn’t really help. If we want to keep those termites out of our houses and a stable balance in our ecosystem, as well as just to keep these cool guys around, we should continue to spread awareness and protect them!
Hey folks! As I have a slow traffic on tumblr, I am going to continue to post these individual pages here, for those whoever stumbles across them. And those who choose to take a closer look at each of the month’s illustrations before deciding to purchase one instead of keeping some as a surprise.
I also do enjoy writing out a little description for each of these creatures. <3
They look utterly ridiculous and they are my favourite thing you’re welcome and goodbye
That’s a fucking Sandshrew.
It’s a small dragon.
They’re so hunchbacked that even though they walk on two legs their front feet are almost always scraping the ground.
BONUS! Tree-dwelling version!!!
Also bonus, There’s a fuckton of different kinds!
Enjoy.
Also! they’re going extinct due to poaching because people love their golden scaley pelts! These are the only mammals in existence to grow actual scales, created from fused fur, like rhino horns! If you would like to donate to their conservation fund, or find out more about Pangolins in general, go here!
