Pangolin

Pholidota

Pangolin skeletons

Pangolin scale histology

Manis temminckii (29390603130)

Pangolin defending itself from lions (Gir Forest, Gujarat, India)

Philippine Pangolin Curled-up by Gregg Yan

Pangolins, often referred to as scaly anteaters, are unique mammals known for their protective keratin scales covering their skin. They are the only mammals wholly covered in scales and belong to the order Pholidota. Pangolins are nocturnal animals primarily found in tropical regions of Africa and Asia. Due to their specialized diet of ants and termites, they play a crucial role in controlling insect populations and maintaining ecological balance.

Description

Pangolins have elongated bodies with conical heads and long, muscular tails. Their limbs are short, with sharp claws adapted for digging into termite mounds and ant hills. These mammals can roll into a tight ball as a defensive mechanism against predators, thanks to their overlapping scales acting as armor. Pangolins vary in size, from the small, tree-dwelling Long-tailed Pangolin (Phataginus tetradactyla) to the large, ground-dwelling Giant Pangolin (Smutsia gigantea).

Habitat and Distribution

Pangolins inhabit a range of environments, including tropical forests, grasslands, and savannas. Their distribution spans across various countries in Africa, from the Sahara's southern edge to southern Africa, and in Asia, from the eastern Himalayas to Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and the Philippines. Habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural expansion poses a significant threat to pangolin populations.

Diet and Behavior

Pangolins are solitary and primarily nocturnal. They use their keen sense of smell to locate termite and ant nests. Their long tongues, which can extend longer than their body length, are sticky and capable of capturing insects deep within nests. Pangolins consume large quantities of insects, playing a vital role in insect population control and soil aeration through their digging activities.

Conservation Status

Pangolins are among the most trafficked mammals in the world, primarily due to the high demand for their scales in traditional medicine and their meat as a delicacy in certain cultures. All eight species of pangolins are listed under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, with statuses ranging from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered. International trade in pangolins and their parts is prohibited under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Efforts to Protect Pangolins

Conservation efforts for pangolins include habitat protection, anti-poaching patrols, and international cooperation to combat illegal wildlife trade. Rehabilitation centers and sanctuaries also play a crucial role in rescuing and rehabilitating injured or confiscated pangolins, with the aim of releasing them back into the wild. Public awareness campaigns are essential to reduce demand for pangolin products and to promote their conservation.

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