What is a Pangolin?
A pangolin is a unique mammal native to Africa and Asia.
Often referred to as “scaly anteaters,” they are characterised by their protective scales made of keratin, similar to human fingernails.
Pangolins are primarily nocturnal and feed on ants and termites using their long, sticky tongues. They are highly sought after for their scales, which are used in traditional medicine, making them one of the most trafficked animals in the world.
Due to poaching and habitat loss, all eight species of pangolins are currently listed as threatened or endangered.
In light of World Pangolin Day, here are six interesting facts about the mammal.
- The word Pangolin comes from ‘penggulung,’ the Malay word for roller – which is the Pangolin’s self-defence action.
- There are eight species of Pangolin, all of which range from vulnerable to critically endangered.
- Pangolin range in size from 30 – 100 cm.
- They dig tunnels underground to sleep in, or live in hollow trees.
- Pangolin are covered in plate-like scales which are made of keratin, the same material that human fingernails consist of.
- Pangolin have no teeth and mainly eat insects and ants.
