What in the World is a Pangolin?

I had never even heard of a Pangolin until this post was requested by one of our readers, Kenney…Thanks!

Well, it’s a mammal and is often called a scaly anteater with hardened plates made of keratin that look like scales, and are razor sharp for an extra armored effect. They come from Africa and Asia.

Photo left: A pangolin invading a termite mound for food

They are nocturnal and use their amazing sense of smell to find insects to eat. Their tongues are elongated and also extend into their stomach so they can snag insects from tight places. They don’t have teeth and cannot chew, so this internal structure serves them well.

Pangolins will curl up when confronted or feel threatened, much like an armadillo or hedgehog would. For an extra defensive mechanism, they will emit an awful smelling acid from their anal glands, similar to skunks, to fend off predators.

They are great burrowers and climbers, not to mention great swimmers, with their short legs and sharp claws. Some species actually live in trees, and some live in tunnels underground.

Scientific Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Infraclass: Eutheria
Superorder: Laurasiatheria
Order: Pholidota
Family: Manidae
Genus: Manis
Species: Manis culionensis, Manis gigantea, Manis temminckii, Manis tricuspis, Manis tetradactyla, Manis crassicaudata, Manis pentadactyla, Manis javanica

I would say that the pangolin is somewhat endangered, especially the giant pangolin, as they are hunted for bush meat in Africa, and are considered a delicacy in China.

The Chinese believe the scales reduce swelling, improve blood circulation, and help mother’s produce milk when breast-feeding. The preparation of the pangolin in these kitchens is typically an arduous and slow death…Very sad! They are often illegally trafficked.

***

I hope you enjoyed this featured Mammal on Exotic Animal Lover! Until next time…

Live Exotically,

Kimberly Edwards

P.S.

Technorati Tags: pangolin, anteater, spiny anteater, mammal, African animal, Asian animal, insectivore

Similar Posts:

• Awesome Gorilla Commercial
• Spirulina in Fish Food for Colored Fish
• What in the World is a Kinkajou?
• Giant Giraffes – The World’s Tallest Animal
• Majestic Animals of the Amazonian Rainforest

Popularity: 11% [?]