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The Pangolin is the only mammal to have scales. These scales cover its body and tail and are used to protect itself from predators. They also have to protect their nose, ears and eyes from the ants they eat so they can actually close them all up and use their tongue (which can be over 20 cm in length) to slurp up the tasty snacks.
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DID YOU KNOW?
A baby Pangolin rides on its mothers tail to get around!
FACT FILE
Type of animal: Mammal
Habitat: Forests and Grassland
Maximum Length: 1.1m (including tail)
Diet: Ants and Termites
Status: Vulnerable --> Critically Endangered
REGION
China and Nepal
South East Asia and Indonesia
India and Nepal
Philippines
Central and East Africa
Philippines
Central West and South Africa
Central and East Africa
SPECIES
Chinese Pangolin
Sunda Pangolin
Indian Pangolin
Philippine Pangolin
Black-bellied Pangolin
Giant Ground Pangolin
Temminck's Ground Pangolin
White-bellied Pangolin
STATUS
Critically Endangered
Critically Endangered
Endangered
Endangered
Vulnerable
Vulnerable
Vulnerable
Vulnerable
APPROX. POPULATION
Unknown (Decreasing)
Unknown (Decreasing)
Unknown (Decreasing)
Unknown (Decreasing)
Unknown (Decreasing)
Unknown (Decreasing)
Unknown (Decreasing)
Unknown (Decreasing)
HABITAT
There are 8 different species of Pangolin in the world and they are found in Africa and Asia. They prefer warmer climates within the Tropics but you can find some as far North as Nepal and Pakistan.
CONSERVATION - HOW TO HELP THE PANGOLIN
The Pangolin are thought to be the most illegally trafficked animal in the world. Their scales are highly valued in places such as China where they are used for medicine. The population of Asian Pangolins has reduced so dramatically that illegal hunters are now going to Africa to hunt the many species that live there.
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Many governments have put a stop to and made the trade in Pangolins illegal and charities and organisations are now fighting to help save the 8 species. As you can see from the species list above 2 of the 8 species are critically endangered which means in a few years these animals could become extinct.
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A global agreement has been made between many many countries to try to stop the illegal trade. It is hard to enforce this law but the public awareness of the threat to Pangolins is now much higher which will help.
