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The World’s Only Scaled Mammal Meet the Pangolin

pangolin
Monitoring a release ground (temminck's) pangolin after having recently been rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. Part of the endangered species monitoring in the Kalahari at Working with Wildlife. WildlifeConservationist, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The pangolin is an intriguing and unique creature that piques the curiosity of animal lovers and scientists alike. Often referred to as the “scaled mammal,” pangolins are the only mammals in the world completely covered with scales made of keratin—the same protein that constructs human hair and nails. Despite their misunderstood nature, pangolins hold a significant ecological role and cultural importance, making their conservation a pressing global issue.

Physical Characteristics

pangolin
Screenshot from: Prague zoo welcomes birth of second critically endangered Chinese pangolin in less than 2 years. Source: Youtube. Uploaded: Associated Press

Pangolins possess a prehistoric look, with their bodies almost entirely shrouded in overlapping, armored scales. These scales serve as their primary defense mechanism, allowing them to curl into a tight ball to shield themselves from predators. Their heads, crowned with small, pointed faces and lack of teeth, contrast with their powerful claws, which are instrumental for burrowing and accessing insect nests for food. Pangolins vary significantly in size: some are as small as 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds), while others can reach up to 35 kilograms (77 pounds).

Habitat and Distribution

pangolin in tree
Pangolin is known for their unique scales. Image via Frendi Apen Irawan, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Pangolins are native to parts of Africa and Asia, with their presence spanning diverse ecosystems such as savannas, forests, and grasslands. Of the eight existing pangolin species, four are found in Africa—the Cape pangolin, the giant pangolin, the tree pangolin, and the long-tailed pangolin. The remaining four species are native to Asia— the Indian pangolin, the Chinese pangolin, the Sunda pangolin, and the Philippine pangolin. Each species has adapted uniquely to its environment, although all share similar dietary habits and behavioral traits.

Feeding Habits

Pangolin
Pangolin. Image via Depositphotos

The pangolin’s diet consists primarily of ants and termites, making them one of nature’s most dedicated insectivores. They fulfill an important ecological niche by regulating insect populations. Pangolins have long, sticky tongues that can extend over 40 centimeters (16 inches) in some species, perfectly adapted to delving deep into insect nests. Their sharp claws allow them to break open tough termite mounds and anthills, after which their efficient tongues take over the feeding process.

Behavioral Traits

Pangolin
Pangolin. Image via Depositphotos

Pangolins are predominantly nocturnal creatures, using the cover of darkness to forage for sustenance. They are known for being solitary, coming together only for mating purposes. While generally slow-moving, pangolins possess a remarkable ability to dig, a skill they use to create burrows where they sleep and raise their young. Despite their outer armor, pangolins are shy and retiring animals, preferring to avoid confrontation whenever possible.

Conservation Status

Pangolin
The ground pangolin (Smutsia temminckii), also known as Temminck’s pangolin, Cape pangolin or scaly anteater, is the only pangolin found in southern and eastern Africa. As a group, pangolins are among the most critically endangered and illegally trafficked animals in the world. Image by zambezi via Depositphotos

Sadly, all eight pangolin species are threatened with extinction due to poaching and illegal trafficking. The Asian pangolin species are particularly sought after for their scales and meat, driven by a belief in their supposed medicinal properties and as a luxury food. As a result, pangolins have become one of the most trafficked mammals in the world. Despite increased legal protection and global awareness campaigns, sustaining and enhancing conservation efforts remains a critical challenge. International collaboration is essential to enforce the laws that protect these remarkable creatures from the brink of extinction.

Efforts in Pangolin Conservation

illegal pangolin dealer caught
Image via Depositphotos

In recent years, both governmental and non-governmental organizations have stepped up efforts to save pangolins. Organizations like the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) are spearheading initiatives that focus on anti-poaching measures, habitat protection, and public education. Additionally, collaborations between countries have led to numerous successful confiscation and rehabilitation attempts of trafficked pangolins. Raising awareness among consumers about the critical status of pangolins and reducing demand for their products are vital components of these conservation strategies.

Conclusion

illegal pangolin dealer caught
Pangolin. Image via Depositphotos.

Pangolins, with their unique evolutionary adaptations and understated charm, serve as a compelling reminder of the planet’s biodiversity and the intricate web of life. Protecting the world’s only scaled mammal is not just about saving a species but also about conserving the ecosystems that depend on them. Understanding and valuing pangolins highlights the broader imperative of preserving the delicate balance of nature. Through concerted conservation efforts, there remains hope that future generations will inherit a world where pangolins continue to thrive.