Beautiful Endangered Pangolin Eats Thousands of Ants as It Rips Through Wood Like Butter

Persistent Pangolin Digs Into a Rotten Log to Feast on the Ants Hiding Inside!

In the incredible instagram clip at the bottom of the page, a pangolin buries its head into a log for lunch! The beautiful scaled mammal is on all fours, standing within the log as a zoo worker crouches behind her! The zoo worker explains that the log was ripped open for the pangolin to have easier access to the ants inside. The pangolin needs to eat thousands of ants before reaching her fill, and that means a few hours of eating! 

Using its impressive claws, the pangolin starts to rip up the wood herself! Shoving the debris out of the way, it starts using its front legs like a dog digging a hole! With its strong hard claws though, it makes quick work of the log almost instantly! The zookeeper speaks about the tragic state of pangolin trafficking, as they’re the most trafficked animal on earth. Being the only scaled mammal, some cultures incorrectly believe their scales to have medicinal properties! 

In reality, the scales of a pangolin are formed of keratin, the same substance as fingernails! Obviously, there is no secret medicinal or ‘magical’ value to pangolin scales! The sad truth of the species truth is fortunately unknown to the beautiful pangolin feasting away. But it doesn’t make it any less tragic, and increased awareness towards conservation is clearly needed! Being such unique animals, with natural defenses that can stump even lions, their extinction would be heartbreaking.

The Harmful Effects of the Black Market of Exotic Animal ‘Medicine’

The exotic animal trade, mainly driven by cultural beliefs in the supposed medicinal properties of certain body parts, is causing irreparable harm to numerous species. Pangolins such as the one in the clip at the bottom of the page, are the most trafficked mammal globally. Their scales are sought after for traditional Chinese medicine, generally being ground into a powder. Those consuming it somehow believe they can improve circulation, or reduce inflammation. All this, by ingesting what is essentially ground fingernail, is truly idiotic.

Unfortunately, the destructive Chinese medicine trade extends far beyond just pangolins. It also heavily affects species like rhinoceroses and elephants, who are hunted for their horns. Consumers of rhino horn products often believe it will serve as an aphrodisiac or cure impotence. However, there is zero evidence for this, and the only thing it causes is the eradication of beautiful species. Sharks also fall victim, with their fins being prized for use in ‘shark fin soup’. 

Just like the others, shark fin soup has zero evidence of any medicinal benefits. This renders the purported medicinal benefits entirely baseless. The allowance of such outdated traditions demonstrates a complete lack of moral regard. The consequences of this selfish and ignorant consumption are devastating. The individuals that consume these products lead directly to the decline and extinction of species. The Northern white rhino stands as a heartbreaking example of this senseless practice. Those who consume these products should be punished under the law as if they are poachers themselves, in order to stop this barbaric industry.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Gemma Campling/Shutterstock.com