Pangolin

Quick Take

• Pangolins look nearly identical to anteaters and eat the same food, but they are not even close relatives. What makes them so different? Explore their evolution →
• Their scales are made of the same material as your fingernails, and that one quirk has made them the world's most trafficked mammal. See their unique scales →
• Scientists found a link between pangolins and COVID-19, but the real danger that followed for the species wasn't what you'd expect. Read the COVID connection →
• Pangolin fossils tell a story 50 million years in the making, though scientists still can't fill in major gaps in their family tree. Trace the fossil record →

The pangolin isn’t an ordinary animal by any means. They have interesting scales and a characteristic reaction of rolling over when threatened, leaving a distinct impression on those who encounter them. Their unique scales have also made them a prime target for poaching and trafficking, which has significantly diminished native populations around the world. Despite similarities to anteaters in diet and appearance, these small mammals are actually quite distinct and are classified into their own taxonomic order.

Incredible Pangolin Facts

• Pangolin scales are hardened, plate-like structures composed of keratin, the same protein found in human hair.
• Pangolins look and behave similarly to anteaters, but aren’t closely related to them genetically.
• Pangolins are animals with scent glands that can spray odors as a secondary defensive mechanism.
• Pangolins are one of the most trafficked animals in the entire world.

Evolution

Despite being one of the most genetically unique animals on Earth, the pangolin is also one of the least understood from an evolutionary point of view. It is among the least-studied placental mammals genetically, so scientists studying their DNA must do some guesswork to fill in the gaps in their family tree. The oldest modern pangolin fossils found are between around 1.9 and 2.2 million years old, though fossils of some close ancestors of modern species, now extinct, have been dated to 50 million years ago. Ancient and present-day pangolins appear to be strikingly similar in genetic makeup.

Traits the pangolin has evolved include its distinct protective scales, as well as an acute sense of smell, complex musculature, long, probing tongues, and a harsh odor it can emit to ward off predators.

Classification and Scientific Name

Pangolins are also known as scaly anteaters, although they are distinct from actual anteaters in both taxonomy and genetics, aside from their shared origins in the Mammalia class. All 8 species are members of the Manidae family of the order Pholidota, which is named after the ancient Greek word for ‘clad in scales.’ The 8 species are spread among three genera: Manis, Phataginus, and Smutsia.

Types of Pangolins

Appearance

Pangolins aren’t the most elegant or graceful animals, but what they lack in aesthetics they make up for with specialized functionality. Their bodies can range from 1 to 3 feet in length, with an adult’s tail length extending between 10 and 30 inches. They have relatively small, pointed heads that are adapted for infiltrating insect burrows and nests.

These mammals have several unique adaptations and features, including a complete lack of teeth. Instead, they have a long and mobile tongue that is perfectly designed for preying on insects. Their stubby legs are also equipped with sets of sharp claws that help them latch onto trees and rip into nests as they search for prey. Their prehensile tail also functions as a crucial support for their body as they use their front legs as multi-purpose tools.

The Pangolin’s Unique Scales

The pangolin’s scales are their most noteworthy feature and one of the reasons they are highly trafficked. These formations are formed from clumps of hair made of keratin, the same substance found in human fingernails and hair. These clumps are soft on newborns, but quickly begin to harden into strong scales as they mature. They form durable armor that acts as a defense mechanism when the animal curls into a tight ball when faced with an imminent threat.

Behavior

Pangolins are generally shy and solitary, preferring to live alone or in pairs. They are primarily nocturnal, with the exception of one species, and may seek food in trees or along the ground. Their body and armored scales allow them to employ a defensive ball posture, much like an armadillo, when facing predators. They also have scent-secreting glands that allow them to propel a noxious spray as a deterrent against threats.

Habitat

Pangolins are found in diverse habitats in both Asia and Africa. Manis pentadactyla is found throughout China, M. javanica is native to various locales in Southeast Asia, and M. crassicaudata is native to India. The remaining 4 species are found in central and southern Africa, with a range spanning over half of the continent.

Some species are arboreal, so they spend most of their time sleeping, hunting, and living in trees. Their sharp claws and large, flexible tail allow them to keep a grip on vertical surfaces while using their front claws to break into insect nests. Other species are primarily terrestrial, which means they stick to the ground and typically dwell in burrows. All species are able to navigate the water with some skill, although they are not known to frequent aquatic environments.

Diet

Much like anteaters, pangolins are exclusive insectivores that typically seek prey that dwells in hives or large nests. What they lack in visual acuity, they make up for with an extremely strong sense of smell. Their keen sense of smell helps them seek out prey and pinpoint its location beneath soil or under tree bark.

What do Pangolins Eat?

Ants and termites are prime targets due to their centralized nest structure and plentiful populations. Larvae of various insects also serve as a potential source of food, particularly for arboreal pangolin species. Their long, flexible tongue and sticky saliva are perfect for capturing small insects in their nests or along rugged surfaces.

Predators and Threats

Humans are by far the most significant threat to pangolin populations across the world. The animals have long been hunted as a source of food, but their scales are also highly prized in some cultures as an ingredient in traditional medicine. As the most trafficked mammal in the world, all pangolin species face some risk of extinction. Current classifications among the 8 species range from vulnerable to critically endangered, and there are strict controls on the international trade of both meat and scales.

While human poaching and hunting are the primary concerns when it comes to population management, there are natural predators throughout the pangolin’s native range as well. Any large local predator can be a potential threat, including hyenas, lions, and pythons.

Pangolin and COVID

In 2020, COVID researchers discovered that pangolins were hosts to a coronavirus extremely similar to the one responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. While this did not establish a definitive link or confirm the animal as a carrier, it did raise concerns about the animal functioning as a vector for coronavirus infection. This makes them the second animal, after bats, identified as a possible source or carrier for the coronavirus. This revelation also caused conservationists some concern over the risk of people targeting pangolins for extermination to reduce the perceived risk of COVID.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Pangolin pairs typically mate only once a year, with regional mating seasons usually occurring during the summer or fall. Males leave scent markers to attract potential mates to their territory. In competitive situations, rival males use their heavy tails as weapons to achieve dominance and earn the right to reproduce with females.

Mothers usually only give birth to one pup at a time, but some species in Asia can have two or three at once. The typical gestation period varies depending on the species, ranging between 70 and 140 days. The first few weeks of life are spent tucked away in a burrow or nest. After the pup has matured a bit and its soft scales have begun to harden, it rides on its mother’s tail or back to accompany her while she hunts.

The weaning process typically begins after a few months, but pangolin pups may stay with their mother for up to two years. Mothers eventually leave their young when the pups have reached an appropriate age to fend for themselves. Life expectancy in the wild is uncertain, but animals have been known to live for up to 20 years in captivity.

Population

While conservationists don’t have a clear idea of total pangolin population numbers in Asia and Africa, there is plenty of reason to believe that they are in sharp decline. Hundreds of thousands of the animals are killed for their meat and scales every year, which prompted a sweeping international ban on all commercial trade in 2016.