Quite famous since its recent association to the coronavirus, the pangolin is quite a curious scaly animal!
Let's learn a bit more about this edentate insectivorous living in tropical forests around the equator.
Let's learn a bit more about this edentate insectivorous living in tropical forests around the equator.
photo credit : National Geographic
| 1. Pangolins are the only mammal covered with scales. |  |
| 2. The name pangolin is derived from the Malay word ‘pengguling’, which means ‘rolling up’. In fact, the animal’s defence mechanism is to roll up into a tight little ball when they are in danger. |  |
| 3. Even the mighty jaws of tigers and lions can't penetrate their scale armour. |  |
| 4. Pangolins can release noxious- smelling acid to deter predators. Are they skunk’s cousins ? |  |
| 5. When fully extended, their tongues is longer than their entire body length. Impressive ! |  |
| 6. Pangolins can walk on their hind legs with their arms and tail used as a counter-balance. |  |
| 7. One pangolin is estimated to catch a massive 70 million ants or termites a year. A ferocious appetite necessary for the regulation of the ecosystem. |  |
| 8. Baby pangolins love piggyback rides! They remain in their mother's care for 5 months, of which the first three are spent catching a ride on her tail. |  photo credit : Associated press |
| 9. There are eight species of pangolin. Four found in Asia and four found in Africa. |  |
| 10. While they look visually similar, they are all hunted for the same reasons: Their meat is sold as a delicacy while scales and blood are used in traditional asian medicine (despite the lack of any scientific evidence). The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) strictly prohibited pangolins trade since 2016 but they are still traded and endangered now. |  photo credit- Jakarta post |
| The observation of the fauna and flora is one of the most enjoyable activities while visiting Mergui Archipelago.  According to WWF, Myanmar has the most diverse fauna of Continental Southeast Asia, however an abundant part of those species are in danger due to the third highest annual rate of deforestation in the world since 2010. Amongst many others, pangolins of Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar are in risk of disappearing. |  |
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