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What is a Pangolin?

Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

The pangolin is an unusual animal that lives in the tropical rainforests of Africa and Asia. Shaped like an armored anteater, to which they are not closely related, pangolins are also sometimes called scaly anteaters. Pangolins are the only mammals to have keratin scales as protection. Keratin is the same material that makes up claws and fingernails. On baby pangolins, the scales are soft, but they harden by adulthood. An adult pangolin can use both its claws and sharp scales on its tail as weapons to slash at attackers.

Like some other animals seeking to avoid predation, pangolins are exclusively nocturnal. They use their excellent sense of smell to locate anthills and termite mounds in the darkness. They then use their sharp claws to burrow deep into these mounds, where they shove their long, sticky tongues in to snatch up hundreds or thousands of the insects. This is their sole source of food. Intelligent animals, pangolins often use their cleverness to get at obscure sources of food.

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The pangolin gets its name from a Malay word pengguling, which means "something that rolls up." Like a roly poly bug, pangolins roll into a ball when in danger, and spend the day sleeping in this position. The pangolin is also a good climber, which helps lower its chances of being eaten by large predators on the ground, such as tigers. It also digs burrows within termite mounds that it has previously evacuated, where it can also raise young.

There are eight species of pangolin alive today. Four species are found in Asia, including the Indian Pangolin, the Sunda Pangolin, the Philippine Pangolin, and the Chinese Pangolin; and four species are found in Africa, the Long-tailed Pangolin, Ground Pangolin, Tree Pangolin, and Giant Pangolin. In many areas across their range, pangolins are at risk because they are often killed for "medicinal" purposes. In 2007, Thai customs officers announced that they had intercepted a shipment of 100 pangolins, which were being smuggled out of Thailand and into China for cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pangolin and where can it be found?

A pangolin is a unique, scale-covered mammal primarily found in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. These nocturnal creatures are solitary and known for their specialized diet of ants and termites. They inhabit a range of environments, from tropical forests to grasslands, but their populations are declining due to habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade.

Why are pangolins often referred to as "scaly anteaters"?

Pangolins are called "scaly anteaters" because of their keratin scales that cover their bodies and their insectivorous diet, similar to that of true anteaters. However, they are not closely related to anteaters, which are native to the Americas. Pangolins use their long, sticky tongues to capture ants and termites, a trait that contributes to the nickname.

How do pangolins protect themselves from predators?

Pangolins have developed a distinctive defense mechanism: when threatened, they roll into a tight ball, with their tough, overlapping scales acting as armor against predators. This behavior, combined with their ability to emit a foul-smelling chemical from glands near the anus, similar to skunks, helps deter many natural threats.

What is the conservation status of pangolins, and why are they endangered?

Pangolins are considered the most trafficked mammals in the world, with all eight species ranging from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They face severe threats from poaching for their meat and scales, which are highly valued in traditional medicine and as a luxury food in some cultures.

What do pangolins eat and how do they find their food?

Pangolins primarily feed on ants and termites, which they locate using their keen sense of smell. Once they find a nest, they use their strong claws to dig into it and then lap up the insects with their long, sticky tongue. Their diet is specialized, and they can consume up to 70 million insects annually.

How can people help in the conservation efforts of pangolins?

People can aid pangolin conservation by supporting organizations dedicated to protecting these animals, such as the World Wildlife Fund or Save Pangolins. Raising awareness about the plight of pangolins, advocating for stronger wildlife protection laws, and refusing to purchase products made from pangolins are also crucial steps in helping to ensure their survival.

Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

Michael is a longtime AllThingsNature contributor who specializes in topics relating to paleontology, physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, and futurism. In addition to being an avid blogger, Michael is particularly passionate about stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and life extension therapies. He has also worked for the Methuselah Foundation, the Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and the Lifeboat Foundation.

Learn more...
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

Michael is a longtime AllThingsNature contributor who specializes in topics relating to paleontology, physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, and futurism. In addition to being an avid blogger, Michael is particularly passionate about stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and life extension therapies. He has also worked for the Methuselah Foundation, the Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and the Lifeboat Foundation.

Learn more...

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