Overview

Pangolins are the only mammals covered in scales — keratin plates that protect them when they roll into a tight ball, presenting an impenetrable sphere to lions and leopards. They walk on hind legs, tail extended for balance, and use a long sticky tongue to slurp ants and termites from nests.

Tragically, pangolins are the most trafficked mammals on Earth — hunted for their scales in traditional medicine and for bushmeat. All eight species are threatened with extinction despite having no proven medicinal value.

Habitat

Savanna woodland, forest, and grassland across sub-Saharan Africa and South and Southeast Asia hold pangolins. The ground pangolin ranges from Kenya and Tanzania through southern Africa, foraging at night with a keen sense of smell.

Countries found

Interesting facts

01
Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals in the world — hunted for their scales.
02
Their scales are made of keratin — the same material as human fingernails.
03
A pangolin's tongue can extend over 40 centimetres — longer than its body.

Conservation status

CR — Critically Endangered

All pangolin species are Critically Endangered or Endangered, devastated by illegal trade. International commercial trade is banned, but poaching continues across Africa and Asia.