Pangolin

Pangolin Profile Pangolins are shy, nocturnal mammals that are completely covered in plate-like scales, and often referred to as ‘scaly anteaters’. They inhabit woodlands and savannas in Southern, Central and East Africa, and Asia. The majority of the population have never heard of the pangolin, but they are the world’s most trafficked mammal, due to the high demand of their scales, and meat. Their meat is considered a delicacy, while their scales are said to ‘cure’ illnesses in traditional Asian medicine. Pangolin Facts Overview Habitat: Woodlands, Thick Brush & Savannas Location: Africa & Asia Lifespan: 20 Years Size: 30 cm (12 in) – 4.6 ft (1.4 m) Weight: 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) – 73 lbs (33 kg) Color: Olive & Brown Diet: Insects (Ants & Termites) Predators: Humans, Lions, Tigers, Leopards, Hyenas & Pythons. Top Speed: 5 kph (3 mph) No. of Species: 8 Conservation Status: 2 Species Critically Endangered– Chinese pangolin, Sunda pangolin. 2 Species Endangered– Indian pangolin, Philippine pangolan. 4 Species Vulnerable– Giant pangolin, White-bellied pangolin, Temminck’s Ground pangolin, Long-tailed pangolin. There are a total of 8 living species of Pangolin, which either live in trees or burrows, differ in colour between dark brown to olive, and range in size, depending on their species. They are members of the order Pholidota, and family Manidae, which includes Manis, consisting of 4 species living in Asia, and Phataginus and Smutsia, which both have 2 species each, which inhabi...

Widely considered one of the potential sources of the coronavirus pandemic, the spotlight on pangolins has brought to light some of the unsavory practices and unimaginable cruelty these animals go through in the global wildlife trade. Pangolins are on the brink of extinction, but possibly even more sickening, is the cruelty that is often inflicted on these gentle creatures before they are killed. What is a pangolin? Pangolins are the only scaled mammal in the world. Also known as the “scaly anteater”, a pangolin’s body is largely covered in scales made up of keratin—the same material as human fingernails. These unique creatures have existed for approximately 80 million years and can be found in 51 countries, often living in trees or burrows. There are eight species of pangolin (four Asian and four African), but all species are shy, nocturnal, and solitary animals. These animals are about the size of a golden retriever puppy or a large housecat, with front arms that look similar to a T-Rex. Pangolins do not have teeth, so they use their long snouts and tongues to feed on up to 70 million insects every year. This makes them very valuable members of the ecosystem because they are natural pest controllers. Why are pangolins trafficked? Unfortunately, what makes pangolins unique also makes them subject to unimaginable cruelty. Pangolin meat is considered a delicacy in China and Vietnam and their scales are used in traditional medicines. In 2019 alone, Chinese customs confiscate...

As scientists work to get to the root of Here’s everything you need to know about these mysterious creatures — and what the research has to say about their potential role in the global pandemic underway. What is a pangolin? Native to Asia and part of Africa, the scaly pangolin doesn’t look a lot like other mammals. Young Indian pangolin. Shutterstock Pangolins are solitary creatures, and are mostly nocturnal, according to the Like their fellow armored mammals, armadillos, pangolins can roll themselves up into a well-protected ball, especially if they’re touched or grabbed. They are also armed with sharp tail spikes that can be used as a weapon. But these creatures typically aren't a danger to anything much bigger than an unsuspecting bug. Ants and termites are among pangolins’ favorite food. They are even referred to as “scaly anteaters.” Where do pangolins live? Most pangolins are found in Asia, though there are a growing number in Africa, too. Altogether, there are eight species of pangolin, and all of them range from “vulnerable” to “ Four pangolin species live in Africa: • Black-bellied pangolin ( Phataginus tetradactyla) • White-bellied pangolin ( Phataginus tricuspis) • Giant Ground pangolin ( Smutsia gigantea) • Temminck's Ground pangolin ( Smutsia temminckii) And four species live in Asia: • Indian pangolin ( Manis crassicaudata) • Philippine pangolin ( Manis culionensis) • Sunda pangolin ( Manis javanica) • Chinese pangolin ( Manis pentadactyla) All these species ...

1.What is a pangolin,really? Though many think of them as reptiles, pangolins are actually mammals. They are the only mammals wholly-covered in scales and they use those scales to protect themselves frompredators in the wild. If under threat, a pangolin will immediatelycurl into a tight ball and will use theirsharp-scaled tails to defendthemselves. 2.What do pangolinseat? Pangolins eatants, termites and larvae and are often known as "the scaly anteater." Because they have no teeth, pangolins pick up foodwith theirsticky tongues, which can sometimes reachlengths greater than the animal’s body. 3. The most trafficked mammal in the world? They certainly are one of the most trafficked mammals in Asia and, increasingly, Africa. Pangolins are in high demand in countries like China and Vietnam. Their meat is considered a delicacy and pangolin scales are used in traditional medicine and folk remedies. All eight pangolin species are protected under national and international laws. But there is stillgrowing international illegal trade in pangolins. Based on reported seizures between 2011 and 2013, an estimated 116,990-233,980 pangolins were killed, which represents only the tip of the trade. Experts believe that seizures represent as little as 10 percent of the actual volume in pangolins in illegal wildlife trade. 4. Is thereany good newsfor pangolins? Yes! In 2016, a treaty of over 180 governments announced an agreement that would end all legal trade of pangolins and further protec...

Their means of All pangolin species have been hunted for their meat, and the organs, skin, scales, and other parts of the body are valued for their use in traditional medicine. As a result, populations of all eight species have fallen to the point that they became threatened with extinction during the early 21st century. By 2014 the Indian pangolin ( M. crassicaudata) and the Philippine pangolin ( M. culionensis)—as M. javanica) and the Virologists have noted that the