You can call the pangolin an amazing animal. This animal is also known as a “scaly anteater”. The body of this species of animal is covered with keratin material. That’s why their body cover is very strong. Human hair and nails are made of the same material.
Pangolins are found in Asia and Africa. They are the only mammals in the world that are completely covered with scales. These fascinating animals are in danger of extinction today due to illegal hunting and poaching.
Pangolins are small to medium-sized. Its body length ranges from 30 to 100 cm. Its weight can range from 1 to 300 kilograms. A surprising feature of the pangolin is that it has no teeth.
They have short legs, very strong claws, and a long tails. It has no teeth but has a long and sticky tongue. Pangolins use their powerful sense of smell to locate prey.
Pangolins are protected and protected from threats due to the presence of keratin in their bodies. As a result, predators cannot easily attack them. The pangolin’s defense system is quite unique.
Of the 8 species of pangolin, four are found in Asia and four in Africa. They live in forests, grasslands and savannas. Most of these species are nocturnal. That means they are active at night and rest during the day.
Their population is decreasing day by day due to habitat loss and poaching. Pangolins are heavily trafficked and hunted for their meat.
Pangolin meat is considered a delicacy. Medicines are made from their seeds in many countries. Illegal trade is done with animals of this species. All pangolin species are threatened with extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.