Scientists investigating the animal origins of the novel coronavirus said pangolins could be responsible for the spread of the virus to humans in China.
About:
Pangolins or scaly anteaters are mammals of the order Pholidota.
The eight species: There are a total of eight pangolin species across Africa and Asia.
Asian species: Sunda Pangolin, Philippine Pangolin, Chinese Pangolin and ‘Indian Pangolin’.
African species: Long-tailed Pangolin, Tree Pangolin, Giant Pangolin and the Ground Pangolin.
Characterstics:
They have large, protective keratin scales covering their skin, and they are the only known mammals with this feature.
They roll into a ball when threatened which can make them easy pickings for poachers.
Their diet consists of mainly ants and termites which they capture using their long tongues (A pangolin’s tongue is longer than its body).
Pangolins have no teeth; they chew with gravel and and keratinous spines inside the stomach.
Threat: According to the latest report released by TRAFFIC in March 2018, Pangolin is the most trafficked mammal in the world. Though hunted for its meat across the northeastern States and in central India, tit is in huge demand for its scales in China.
IUCN status: The Chinese Pangolin was officially categorised as critically endangered in 2014, but it is believed to be extinct today. The Indian Pangolin, marked endangered that year, is now critically endangered and disappearing fast.
World Pangolin Day: The third Saturday of February is observed as the World Pangolin Day.
Dear Student,
You have still not entered your mailing address. Please enter the address where all the study materials will be sent to you. (If applicable).
