Tongue-strangler
The closest living relative to modern Zetheilians.
Habitat
Native to sub-Saharan Africa in range of habitats such as grasslands, rainforests and wetlands.
Biology
Tongue-stranglers are moderate to large-sized animals, reaching about 10 feet in length and weighing about 350 lbs.
Like all Glossids, Tongue-Stranglers have a gigantic, multi-pronged tongue 12 prongs for this species!) that attaches to their ribcage, which they can freely move to puppeteer the tongue with incredible dexterity.
Their saliva has enzymes in it that promote cell growth and tissue repair. Scientist are working to see if these enzymes can be replicated and used to treat human injuries.
Ecology
They are ambush predators that lie in wait until an animal comes close and, as their name suggests, extend their multiple thick, powerful tongues to constrict the prey much like a python would.
They frequently steal kills from other animals, like lions and hyenas though are sometimes preyed upon by these species as well albeit rarely.
A Pliocene-era fossil shows that this species preyed on humans frequently, with the remains of at least four humans inside their stomach cavity. Even today the species is blamed for about half a dozen disappearances every year.