pangolins
Pangolins, also called scaly anteaters, are subsaharan African and Asian mammals that have horny scales covering the upper parts of their bodies. [1]
Pangolins, also sometimes called scaly anteaters, are strange looking creatures covered with protective horny, overlapping scales. [2]
Three types of pangolins exist in Africa’the giant pangolin, the tree pangolin and the most widespread, the ground pangolin. [3]
There is only one extant family (Manidae) and one genus (Manis) of pangolins, comprising eight species. [4]
MUAR: After keeping watch on the activities of a group for two weeks, marine police here swooped in on them and seized 62 pangolins valued at over RM100,000. [5]
Leopards and other large animals such as hyenas occasionally prey on pangolins, but they are obviously well-protected from smaller predators. [2]
The weight of the protective keratinous scales and skin make up about 20% of the pangolin’s weight. [3]
Some 31 live pangolins were found in two cars near a house in Taman Tasik Ria in Tangkak and in the living room of a house while another 31 frozen pangolins were found in a freezer in the kitchen. [5]
Not a great deal is known about these animals, but they are equally comfortable on the ground and in trees. [...] If frightened, a pangolin can curl up in a very tight ball, with only the sharp edges of its scales exposed. [1]
Despite its scaly appearance, the pangolin is not a reptile. [3]
Pangolins have large keratin scales covering their skin and are the only mammals with this adaptation. [4]
The animal preens itself by scratching with the hind legs, lifting its scales so the claws can reach the skin. [2]
The scales, which are soft on newborn pangolins but harden as the animal matures, are made of keratin, the same material of which human fingernails and tetrapod claws are made. [4]
It has siblings in India, China, Malaysia and Africa (called the giant pangolin). [2]
Sources:
[1] Pangolins
[2] Pangolins
[3] AWF: Wildlife: Pangolin
[4] Pangolin - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
[5] Cops seize 62 pangolins after fortnight stakeout