Cape Pangolin bathing

Habituated Cape pangolin (Smutsia temminckii) bathing. The Cape Pangolin is also called the Ground pangolin or Temminck's pangolin. When disturbed, this scaly mammal protects itself by curling up into a ball and raising its sharp scales. Pangolins, which are rarely seen, are found in arid areas in parts of eastern and southern Africa. They feed during the daytime in winter and at night in summer. Pangolins feed on ants and termites, which they catch using their long sticky tongue. The two main threats encountered by ground pangolin populations are habitat loss and illegal trafficking. Filmed at the REST sanctuary near Outjo in Namibia, Southern Africa. REST (The Rare and Endangered Species Trust) is an organisation that operates in Central-Northern Namibia and this particular Pangolin was hand-raised after its mother had abandoned it.