The Pangolins

Any mammal of the order Pholidota, of Africa and tropical Asia,having a covering of broad, overlapping, horny scales and feeding on ants and termites. They are also called as ‘scaly anteater’.

Pangolins are mammals with have large keratin scales covering their skin and are the only mammals with this adaptation. They are found in tropical regions of Africa and Asia. The name "pangolin" derives from the Malay word pengguling ("something that rolls up").

They are nocturnal animals, and use their well-developed sense of smell to find insects. The long-tailed pangolin is also active by day. They spend most of the daytime sleeping, curled up into a ball.

Pangolins were classified with various other orders, for example Xenarthra, which includes the ordinary anteaters, sloths, and the similar-looking armadillos. But newer genetic evidence indicates that their closest living relatives are the Carnivora. Some paleontologists have classified the pangolins in the order Cimolesta, together with several extinct groups.

Pangolins are hunted and eaten in many parts of Africa and are one of the more popular types of bush meat. Pangolins are also in great demand in China because their meat is considered a delicacy and some Chinese believe pangolin scales reduce swelling, promote blood circulation and help breast-feeding women produce milk. This, coupled with deforestation, has led to a large decrease in the numbers of Giant Pangolins. In November 2010, pangolins were added to the Zoological Society of London's list of genetically distinct and endangered mammals.

Pangolin populations have suffered from illegal trafficking. In May 2007, for example, guardian.co.uk reported that 31 pangolins were found aboard an abandoned vessel off the coast of China. The boat contained some 5,000 endangered animals.

So, it is very important for us to conserve the pangolins out there and save them from being further endangered!! Help us by supporting the WRFCF (Wildlife Reserve Singapore Conservation Fund)