Pangolin

About

How pangolin lives

Pangolins are scaled mammals that feed on ants and termites and curl into a tight ball for defense. Pangolin scales are made of keratin, the same material found in human fingernails. Forest habitats reward animals that can climb, hide, or move quietly through layered vegetation.

Conservation

Status and habitat pressure

Critically threatened species often survive in fragmented populations, making every breeding group important. Protecting pangolin also depends on keeping forest, grassland habitats healthy and connected.

Critically threatened species often have little room for delay because every remaining population matters.

Quick Facts

Things to notice

• Pangolin scales are made of keratin, the same material found in human fingernails.
• Hair, fur, and milk production are hallmark mammal traits that separate them from other vertebrates.
• Forest habitats reward animals that can climb, hide, or move quietly through layered vegetation.
• Critically threatened species often survive in fragmented populations, making every breeding group important.