Pangolin

Pangolins (also called scaly anteaters) are mammals of the order Pholidota. Their bodies are covered in large, hardened, overlapping, plate-like scales made of keratin, so they look rather like a pine cone. Depending on the species, they range from about 30 to 100 cm in size.

There are eight recognised species. Five live in Asia and four live in sub-Saharan Africa. They have short legs with sharp claws, very poor vision, no teeth, and an extremely long, sticky tongue. Pangolins live in hollow trees or burrows, depending on the species.

The name pangolin comes from the Malay word pengguling, meaning one who rolls up. It was used for the Sunda pangolin. The order name Pholidota comes from Ancient Greek for clad in scales.

Pangolins were long thought to be close kin of the animals of the Americas that include sloths and armadillos, but genetic evidence now suggests their closest living relatives are the carnivorans. The two lineages are estimated to have split around 75 million years ago. Their scales are similar in look to armadillo armour only through convergent evolution.

Asian and African pangolins are thought to have diverged about 38 million years ago, and the group probably originated in Eurasia. Several extinct pangolin species are also known.

Most pangolins are nocturnal and use a well-developed sense of smell to find insects. The long-tailed pangolin is also active by day, while other species mostly sleep curled up in a ball through the daytime. When threatened they curl up, tucking the face under the tail, and the sharp scales act as armour. They can also release a noxious-smelling chemical from glands near the anus.

Pangolins are solitary and meet only to mate. Males mark their location with urine or faeces and females find them. Rival males may use their tails as clubs. They are also good swimmers, and some walk a few steps on two legs.

Their diet is mainly ants and termites, and they often eat only one or two species. Without teeth, they swallow small stones that help grind up their food. Mothers raise a litter of one to three young for about two years.

Pangolins have significantly weakened immune responses because of a genetic dysfunction, which makes them extremely fragile. In captivity they are susceptible to pneumonia and ulcers, which can lead to an early death.

Pangolins rescued from illegal trade often carry parasites such as intestinal worms. Surveys of healthy pangolins have found they carry a variety of viruses without showing any signs of disease.

Breeding them in captivity is often unsuccessful because they rely on wide-ranging habitats and very particular diets.

This is general awareness only, not veterinary advice. If you find an injured or unwell wild animal, contact a vet or a wildlife rescue.

What is a pangolin?

A pangolin is a scaly, toothless mammal that eats ants and termites. Pangolins are not closely related to armadillos, even though both have scales.

Are pangolins endangered?

Yes. All eight species are listed as threatened by the IUCN, and three are critically endangered. They are hunted for meat and scales and also lose habitat to deforestation.

What do pangolins eat?

Mostly ants and termites, sometimes with other insects and larvae. A pangolin can eat 140 to 200 g of insects a day.

Are pangolins nocturnal?

Mostly, yes. The long-tailed pangolin is also active by day.

Did pangolins cause COVID-19?

Early speculation suggested so, but later analysis showed the testing was flawed. Pangolins are not likely to be the mechanism of infection in humans.

A large pangolin's tongue can stretch as much as 40 cm yet is only about 0.5 cm wide. Its root sits in the chest, between the breastbone and the windpipe.

Newborn pangolins have soft, white scales that harden and darken after several days. Young ride on the mother's tail or back.

Pangolin scales are made of the same material as human fingernails.

Ground-dwelling pangolins can dig tunnels up to 3.5 m deep.

The third Saturday in February is World Pangolin Day. Taiwan has the highest population density of pangolins in the world.