MAMMALIA: PHOLIDOTA: MANIDAE: Manis

Manis sp.

Pangolin

Photo & author credits

Range: Forests of southern Asia and Africa, excluding Madagascar.

Diagnosis: Moderate mammals with huge overlapping scales covering he body, head, limbs and broad tail; an elongate snout; tiny eyes; and extremely long front claws.

Description:

Natural History: These bizarre, insect-eating animals may be mistaken by some people for an odd reptile. In fact, pangolin skin is often misidentified as crocodile. 

Primary diet is ants and termites. The huge fore claws allow pangolins to rip apart even the toughest of termite mounds or rotting tree trunks for their prey. 

When threatened, pangolins ball up like armadillos, allowing their thick scales act as defensive armor. 

Reproduction: 1-2 young are produced per litter, after some 130 days of gestation.

Taxonomy & Relationships: Seven species are currently recognized. Manis pentadactyla, M. javanica, and M. crassicaudata are Asian. Manis tricuspis, M. gigantea, M. temmincki and M. tetradactyla are African.

Variation:

Additional Comments:

Type Specimen:

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