Pangolins, often called “scaly anteaters,” are covered in tough, overlapping scales. These burrowing mammals eat ants and termites using an extraordinarily long, sticky tongue, and are able to quickly roll themselves up into a tight ball when threatened. Eight different pangolin species can be found across Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Poaching for illegal wildlife trade and habitat loss have made these incredible creatures one of the most endangered groups of mammals in the world.
Taxonomy
Pangolin species vary in size from about 1.6kg (~3.5 lbs) to a maximum of about 33kg (~73 lbs). They vary in color from light to yellowish brown through olive to dark brown. Protective, overlapping scales cover most of their bodies. These scales are made from keratin — the same protein that forms human hair and finger nails. Overlapping like artichoke leaves, the scales grow throughout the life of a pangolin just like hair; scale edges are constantly filed down as pangolins dig burrows and tunnel through the soil in search of termites and ants. Pangolin undersides do not have scales, and are covered with sparse fur. Unlike African pangolins, Asian pangolins also have thick bristles that emerge from between their scales
There are eight pangolin species. All pangolins belong to the genus Manis in the family Manidae, which is the only family within the order Pholidota. Although pangolins share similar characteristics with Xenarthrans (anteaters, armadillos, and sloths), they are in fact more closely related to the order Carnivora (cats, dogs, bears, etc.).
Asian pangolins:
- Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) – Critically Endangered
- Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) – Critically Endangered
- Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) – Endangered
- Philippine pangolin (Manis culionensis) – Endangered
African pangolins:
- Cape or Temminck’s Ground pangolin (Smutsia temminckii) – Vulnerable
- White-bellied or Tree pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis) – Vulnerable
- Giant Ground pangolin (Smutsia gigantea) – Vulnerable
- Black-bellied or Long-tailed pangolin (Phataginus tetradactyla) – Vulnerable
There are eight pangolin species. All pangolins belong to the genus Manis in the family Manidae, which is the only family within the order Pholidota. Although pangolins share similar characteristics with Xenarthrans (anteaters, armadillos, and sloths), they are in fact more closely related to the order Carnivora (cats, dogs, bears, etc.).
Asian pangolins:
- Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) – Critically Endangered
- Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) – Critically Endangered
- Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) – Endangered
- Philippine pangolin (Manis culionensis) – Endangered
African pangolins:
- Cape or Temminck’s Ground pangolin (Smutsia temminckii) – Vulnerable
- White-bellied or Tree pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis) – Vulnerable
- Giant Ground pangolin (Smutsia gigantea) – Vulnerable
- Black;
- -bellied or Long-tailed pangolin (Phataginus tetradactyla) – Vulnerable
Pangolin 