Pangolin

Pangolins are unique mammals belonging to the order Pholidota. The name Pholidota comes from the Ancient Greek word for "clad in scales."

While they might look like armadillos, they are not closely related. They developed their scales through convergent evolution, which is when different animals evolve similar traits.

Today, the only living family is Manidae. This family is divided into three distinct genera: Manis, Phataginus, and Smutsia. These animals play a vital role in their ecosystems by regulating termite populations.

A pangolin's most striking feature is its protective armor. They are covered in large, overlapping, plate-like scales made of keratin.

Keratin is the same protein that makes up human fingernails and claws. These scales are soft on newborns but harden as the animal matures. When a predator approaches, the pangolin performs a behavior called volvation. It curls into a tight ball to protect its soft belly. It even tucks its face under its tail for extra safety. Some species can also emit a noxious-smelling chemical from glands near the anus to deter threats.

The feeding process of a pangolin is a highly specialized biological mechanism. Because they lack teeth, they cannot chew their food. Instead, they rely on an extremely long, sticky tongue.

In large species, the tongue can reach lengths of up to 40 centimeters. Interestingly, the root of the tongue is not attached to the hyoid bone. Instead, it is located deep in the thorax between the sternum and the trachea. To digest their prey, pangolins swallow small stones called gastroliths. These stones collect in a specialized part of the stomach called a gizzard. The gizzard contains keratinous spines that help grind the insects into a digestible form.

Pangolins are divided into different types based on where they live and how they move. The genus Manis includes five species found in Asia. In sub-Saharan Africa, the genera Phataginus and Smutsia represent the remaining species. Phataginus includes small, arboreal species that live in hollow trees. Smutsia includes larger, ground-dwelling species that dig burrows up to 2 meters deep.

Some species, like the long-tailed pangolin, are active during the day. Most others are nocturnal, using a keen sense of smell to find ants and termites in the dark.

History and naming provide more context for these animals. The word "pangolin" comes from the Malay word "pengguling," meaning "one who rolls up."

This name was originally used for the Sunda pangolin. In ancient India, the writer Aelian referred to them as "phattáges." Recent scientific discoveries continue to expand our knowledge. In September 2023, a ninth species, the cryptic pangolin, was reported. This species is currently only known through confiscated scales and has not been seen in the wild.

The conservation status of pangolins is a matter of great international concern. They are currently the most trafficked mammals in the entire world.

Many are poached for their meat, which is a luxury delicacy, and their scales, which are used in traditional medicine. Because of this, eight species are listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Three species, including the Sunda and Chinese pangolins, are critically endangered. Three others are endangered, and two are classified as vulnerable. Over the last decade, it is estimated that one million pangolins have been trafficked.

Understanding pangolins requires looking at their complex evolutionary history. Genetic evidence shows they are more closely related to carnivorans than to anteaters. They form a clade called Ferae along with these meat-eating mammals.

This evolutionary split occurred approximately 79.47 million years ago. Their unique physical traits, like the specialized tongue and the gizzard, show how they have adapted to a very specific niche. By protecting these animals, we help maintain the balance of the insect populations in their natural habitats.