Sep 26, 2020
GUYS
i just learned that these animals:
are called “Softly-softly” in some areas of their range (Nigeria, Guinea, Kenya and Uganda).
they’re also known as Pottos (Perodicticus potto) and while they do indeed look very soft, they actually have sharpened vertebrae on the backs of their necks.
these ‘spines’ were originally assumed to be for defensive and aggressive purposes, but newer research suggests that they’re extremely sensitive and are used in peaceful, social behaviors (such as petting)
Image sources: 1, 2
