The Chinese pangolin is one of the world’s most trafficked mammals and a creature of extraordinary evolutionary uniqueness — the only mammals with a body covered in overlapping keratin scales. When threatened, pangolins curl into a nearly impenetrable ball, their scales forming armour that deters even lions. Their staggeringly long, sticky tongue, which can exceed the animal’s body length, is perfectly evolved to extract termites and ants from deep within mounds and tree bark.
About the Pangolin
Manis pentadactyla
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💡 Fun Facts
01
A pangolin's tongue is attached not to its mouth but to its pelvis, allowing it to extend up to 40 cm beyond its snout to reach deep insect galleries.
02
Pangolins have no teeth whatsoever; they swallow small stones that grind up insects in their muscular gizzard-like stomach.
03
All eight pangolin species are threatened with extinction — they are the most trafficked wild mammal on Earth, with over one million believed killed in the past decade.
04
Pangolin scales are made of keratin, the same protein as human fingernails, yet they have no proven medicinal value despite fueling massive illegal demand.
05
A mother pangolin carries her pup on her tail and curls around it completely when threatened, sacrificing herself as a living shield.
📍 Where to Find This Animal
Habitat Types:
Tropical Forest, Grasslands
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