Pangolins—which are typically classified in the genera Manis, Phataginus, and Smutsia —are found in tropical Asia and Africa. Pangolins are 30 to 90 cm (1 to 3 feet) long exclusive of the tail and weigh 5 to 27 kg (10 to 60 pounds). Across all eight species, adult tail length ranges from about 26 to 70 cm (approximately 10 to 28 inches).
Pangolins are native to Africa and Asia. They can be found in woodland and savanna habitats. The tree-climbing species make homes for themselves in hollow trees, while the ground-dwelling species dig deep burrows to nest in.
Are pangolins endangered species?
Three of the four Asian pangolins — the Chinese pangolin ( Manis pentadactyla ), Sunda pangolin ( Manis javanica ), and Philippine pangolin — are critically endangered, while the Indian pangolin ( Manis crassicaudata) is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Pangolins are mammals. Some people think Pangolin scales can be used as medicine, even though there is no science that says Pangolin scales are healthy for you. Pangolins eat ants and termites. They are a very rare known creature. Pangolin’s habitats are being destroyed.
Why are pangolins so prized in China?
The pangolin, the most trafficked mammal on Earth, is prized for its meat and its unique scales, which are said to have medicinal properties. Peter Knights, CEO of the WildAid charity, said that while China’s ban was welcome, a global effort was required to end the drastic decline in the world’s pangolin populations.
Are pangolins dangerous?
Their scales are dangerous weapons. If threatened, the pangolin will perform a cutting motion with its scales if anything is inserted between them—that’s a nasty shock for a strange paw or snout! Do pangolins bite? They are so tough that even lions can’t bite through them! To protect themselves, pangolins can roll.
One more inquiry we ran across in our research was “What is a pangolin and why are they trafficked?”.
The animals are trafficked mainly for their scales, which are believed to treat a variety of health conditions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and as a luxury food in Vietnam and China. In Africa, pangolins are sold as a form of bushmeat, for ritual or spiritual purposes, and use in traditional African medicine.