Details
Manis crassicaudata
The Indian pangolin is a nocturnal mammal of South Asian forests and grasslands. Solitary and armored, it feeds on social insects.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It uses forest, grassland, and dry scrub where ants and termites are available. Burrows and soil cavities provide daytime shelter.
Body length is about 84-122 cm and weight about 10-16 kg. Overlapping keratin scales, a long tail, narrow snout, and strong claws are distinctive.
Nocturnal individuals travel alone on the ground. When threatened, they curl into a ball, shielding the soft underside with scales.
It is carnivorous, feeding mainly on ants and termites. It has no chewing teeth and gathers insects with a long sticky tongue.
Usually a single young is born and may ride on the mother's tail or back. It remains protected near the mother's burrow while growing.
Its status is listed as Endangered. Illegal trade and habitat change are serious threats, and its secretive habits make protection difficult.
