Pangolin

Pangolins are overshadowed by anteaters, hence why they are known so little.

Pangolins are a family of scaled mammals, native to parts of Asia or Africa, depending on the genus, in tropical areas.
‘Pangolins’ are also known as ‘scaly anteaters’ and ‘trenggilings’, and in 2014 they were said to be the most trafficked animal in the world.
The scientific family name of pangolins is Manidae, from the Pholidota order, and they belong to three genera – Manis, Phataginus and Smutsia, and include eight species.
Pangolins range in size, depending on the species, and they generally grow to lengths between 30 to 140 centimetres (1 to 4.6 feet) and weigh between 1.6 to 33 kilograms (3.5 to 73 pounds).
The armoured scales of pangolin are made of keratin and range in colours from yellow, olive and light and dark browns.

Termites and ants make up the primary diet of pangolins, although other insects and their larvae are also consumed.
Pangolins have a significantly long tongue that is up to 5 millimetres (0.2 inches) in width and 40 centimetres (16 inches) in length, to reach the far corners of insect mounds.
Pangolins are threatened by poaching or hunting for their meat and scales, and habitat loss, all of which have led to populations becoming vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered, and while the animal is kept in captivity, often in rehabilitation centres, they commonly die from dietary and stress related issues.
Hiding and sleeping in burrows or trees during daylight, pangolins are mostly nocturnal animals and they usually live alone.
The term ‘pangolin’ comes from the Malay term ‘peng-guling,’, which literally means ‘roller’, referring to the animal’s common defence tactic of curling up in a ball.

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