Animal Anatomy FInal Project - Kappa Creature Design

Creature design final meant to illustrate key understanding of animal structure and anatomy through the reinterpretation of a fictional animal. Based off of the Japanese yokai, kappas, I reinterpreted the creature according to lessons on the anatomy of mammals, specifically. Not too dissimilar to the kappa's origins, this reinterpretation uses local wildlife such as Japanese macaques, river otters, giant salamanders, and turtles as inspirations.
Much focus was placed on the features and anatomy that would allow the kappa to function as an ambush predator. The lanky limbs, specifically taken from macaques, were used for exceptional leaping strength for ambushes. Webbed features allowed for swift swimming while long claws allowed for ripping apart prey. Eyesight has adapted to night underwater, and lilypad-like hair allowed for camouflaging capabilities. Creative interpretation allowed for inspiration from alligator snapping turtles to provide strong jaws for clamping onto prey. Turtle shell remains a remnant from previous evolutionary heritage.