10 fascinating facts about pangolins

(c) Sangha Pangolin Project, Maja Gudehus

1. The word ‘pangolin’ means ‘roll up’

The name ‘pangolin’ comes from the Malay word pengguling, meaning ‘one who rolls up’. When threatened, pangolins curl into a tight ball, shielding their stomach and face, making them nearly impenetrable to natural predators including lions and tigers.

2. There are eight species of pangolin

There are four species of pangolins found in Africa, and four found in Asia.

African pangolin species:

• Black-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tetradactyla)
• White-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis)
• Giant ground pangolin (Smutsia gigantea)
• Temminck’s ground pangolin (Smutsia temminckii)

Asian pangolin species:

• Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata)
• Philippine pangolin (Manis culionensis)
• Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica)
• Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla)

In January 2025, researchers discovered a likely new species of pangolin: the Indo-Burmese pangolin (Manis indoburmanica). Previously thought to be the Chinese pangolin, researchers have uncovered that the Indo-Burmese pangolins are significantly different from the Chinese pangolins and should be classed as their own species. Much work remains to be done to find out more about this likely new species.

3. Pangolins are endangered

Pangolins are found in Asia and Africa and are highly threatened from poaching, the international wildlife trade and habitat loss. No one knows exactly how many pangolins are left in the wild, but populations are in decline.

• Chinese and Sunda pangolins are classified as Critically Endangered.
• Indian and Philippine pangolins are Endangered.
• The other four species are Vulnerable.

4. Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals in the world

Pangolins are hunted for their scales (used in traditional medicine) and meat (considered a delicacy in some countries). Some 400 pangolins are illegally trafficked every day, making them probably the most trafficked mammal in the world.

5. Pangolins love to eat insects

Pangolins primarily eat ants and termites. They can consume up to 70 million insects per year. They use their powerful claws to rip open anthills and termite mounds, then extend their long, sticky tongues to slurp up insects.

6. Pangolins are uniquely scaly mammals

Pangolins are the only mammals with scales. Their scales are made of keratin, the same protein as human fingernails. A pangolin’s scales and skin can make up about 25% of its body weight. Even predators like lions struggle to bite through their tough scales.

7. Pangolins have very long tongues

A pangolin’s tongue can be up to 28 inches (70 cm) long. In some species, the tongue is longer than their body (excluding the tail). Their tongues are attached near their ribcage, not in their throat.

8. Pangolin scales are not only used for defence

When hunting ants, Chinese pangolins have been observed lying on the ground and opening their scales, allowing dispersed ants to climb on their body. The pangolins will then quickly close their scales, trapping the ants within. They will then enter a body of water, and re-open their scales, releasing the ants into the water, where they can consume them.

9. Pangolins don’t have teeth to chew their food

Instead of chewing, pangolins have muscular stomachs that contain small stones to help grind up their food; similar to birds.

10. Pangolins are nicknamed the ‘scaly anteater’ but aren’t related!

Despite their resemblance to anteaters and armadillos, pangolins are more closely related to cats, dogs, and bears. Their similarities with anteaters result from convergent evolution, rather than shared ancestry.