Pangolin

Pangolins

Pangolins are special animals also called scaly anteaters. They are mammals with big, protective scales covering their skin. These scales are made from a material called keratin, the same thing that makes up human fingernails. Pangolins use their scales to stay safe when they feel scared.

Pangolins live in many parts of the world, mostly in Asia and Africa. They like to live in hollow trees or in burrows in the ground. These animals are nocturnal, which means they are more active at night. They love to eat ants and termites and use their very long tongues to catch them.

Pangolins have short legs with sharp claws. These claws help them dig into ant and termite mounds or climb trees. They can even release a strong-smelling liquid from glands near their bottom to scare away enemies, much like a skunk. Their tongues can stretch up to about 40 centimeters to reach their food!

People know about pangolins because they are very unique. Their name comes from a word in the Malay language, pengguling, which means "one who rolls up." This name describes how pangolins curl up into a ball when they feel threatened. Different cultures have their own names for these amazing animals.

All pangolin species need protection to survive. Some people take pangolins from the wild, and their homes are sometimes lost because of changes in the land. Because of this, many pangolin species are now considered threatened. But there are efforts around the world to help protect these wonderful creatures and teach people why pangolins are important.