The Pangolin: Clad In Scales

The pangolin is one of nature's most unique animals. A creature that is often described as an anteater combined with a pinecone. On this page we will be briefly going over some facts about about these cool looking creature as a way to practice using HTML Elements.

A pangolin walking over gravel — A. J. T. Johnsingh, WWF-India and NCF - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

What is a Pangolin?

Also known as the scaly anteater, pangolins are a species of mammals known for their unique protective hide made of large scales that give an almost reptilian appearance. These scales are made from keratin and are more like fingernails than actual scales. Despite their nickname, long tongues, and diet of mostly ants and termites they are not closely related to anteaters. Nor are they related to another armored mammal, the armadillo. These similarities are simply examples of convergent evolution.

Where can they be found?

Pangolins are mostly found in South Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Africa, and Southern Africa.

A map of Africa and Asia showing regions where Pangolin can be found, color coded by species — By Craig Pemberton - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

For more info click here!

Interesting Facts:

Most pangolins are nocturnal
The name pangolins comes from the Malay word pengguling which means one who rolls up.
They can curl up like an armadillo to protect themselves from predators
They can emit a noxious-smelling chemical from glands near their anus similar to skunks

Sad Facts:

Pangolins are the most trafficked animal in the world
Many species of pangolins are critically endangered
They are mostly poached because their meat and scales are used in traditional medicine.
They were once thought to be a vector for the human transmission of COVID-19. This was later debunked, but it sadly still lead to mass killings of the animal.

All information on this page was paraphrased from the wikipedia entry for Pangolin.
Wikipedia contributors. (2025, January 23). Pangolin. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 03:48, February 4, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pangolin&oldid=1271258482

Return to top of page

Have any questions?