Also known as the scaly anteater, it is a unique and intriguing creature native to the Indian subcontinent. This animal stands out in the animal kingdom because of its large, protective keratin scales covering its body—a rare characteristic among mammals. These scales, which are actually modified hairs, give the pangolin a distinct, armored appearance reminiscent of a pine cone or an artichoke.

The Indian pangolin’s color ranges from a dusky yellow to brown, allowing it to blend seamlessly into its forest and grassland habitats. The pangolin’s body is stout, and its head is small and conical, with a very long, sticky tongue that can extend up to 41 cm (16 in). This impressive tongue is stored in a deep chest cavity when not in use and is essential for its main dietary habit: eating ants and termites. It is equipped with powerful claws used to dig into ant hills and termite mounds, and it lacks teeth, relying entirely on its tongue to scoop up its prey.

One of the most fascinating behaviors of the Indian pangolin is its defense mechanism. When threatened, it rolls itself into a tight ball, tucking its face under its tail. The overlapping scales act as armor, protecting it from predators like tigers and leopards, which find it difficult to penetrate this defensive shield.

Despite its tough appearance, the Indian pangolin is a solitary and primarily nocturnal animal, which means it is active during the night. Its secretive nature and preference for dense vegetation or burrows make it a rare sight. During the day, it rests in deep burrows that can be up to 11 feet deep. These burrows, which the pangolin digs with its claws, also serve as protection from the harsh weather and as a place to raise its young.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Bangladesh

2019

India

2019

Nepal

2019

Pakistan

2019

Sri Lanka

2019

Recent Updates

Feb 2024: According to Wildlife SOS, almost 6,000 pangolins were poached in India from 2009 to 2017.