Pangolins are uniquely covered in tough, overlapping scales. These mammals eat ants and termites using an extraordinarily long, sticky tongue, and are able to quickly roll themselves up into a tight ball when they feel threatened. Eight different pangolin species can be found across Asia and Africa.
Are pangolins vertebrates?
Pangolin could be a vertebrate that is generally known as the scale anteaters. Its scientific name is Manis while it belongs to the category Mammalia and also the family Manidae. Its kingdom is Animalia while it comes from the continent of Asia. Pangolin is a nocturnal animal and it uses its high sense of smell to seek out insects for its food.
Pangolins, sometimes known as scaly anteaters, are mammals of the order Pholidota (/ f ɒ l ɪ ˈ d oʊ t ə /, from Ancient Greek ϕολιδωτός – “clad in scales”). The one extant family, the Manidae, has three genera: Manis, Phataginus, and Smutsia.
Pangolins have poor vision, so they locate termite and ant nests with their strong sense of smell. A pangolin’s tongue is attached near its pelvis and last pair of ribs, and when fully extended can be up to half the length of the animal’s head and body. A pangolin’s stomach is muscular and has keratinous spines projecting into its interior.
Do pangolins climb trees?
Another Asian species, the India or thick-tailed pangolin is mostly found on the Indian subcontinent where it prefers to live in the forests. Although this species does not climb trees, it prefers to live amongst the low shrubbery of the forest floor.
Terrestrial forms live in burrows. Pangolins feed mainly on termites but also eat ants and other insects. They locate prey by smell and use their forefeet to rip open nests. Long-tailed pangolin ( Manis tetradactyla ).
Although it is commonly stated that pangolins reproduce by laying eggs, this is untrue. Pangolins are mammals, and their reproduction cycle mirrors that of other mammals in the world.
What are pangolin scales made of?
Pangolin scales are made of keratin, the same material that makes up fingernails, hair, and horn. Pangolin scales, like rhino horn, have no proven medicinal value, yet they are used in traditional Chinese medicine to help with ailments ranging from lactation difficulties to arthritis.
Are pangolins good swimmers?
Pangolins are also good swimmers. Pangolins are insectivorous. Most of their diet consists of various species of ants and termites, and may be supplemented by other insects, especially larvae. They are somewhat particular and tend to consume only one or two species of insects, even when many species are available to them.