scaly mammals in the world #animals #wildlife

Interesting facts about pangolins, unique animals often called "scaly anteaters":

1. The only scaly mammal
Pangolins are the only mammals in the world that have hard scales made of keratin, just like human nails and tiger claws. These scales protect them from predators—when they feel threatened, pangolins will roll up into a ball.

2. Their tongues are longer than their bodies
Pangolins have tongues that can grow up to 40 cm long, longer than their own bodies! This tongue is used to catch ants and termites from their nests.

3. Excellent insectivores
A pangolin can eat up to 70 million ants and termites in a year! They don't have teeth, so they swallow small pebbles to help grind their food in their stomachs.

4. Expert diggers and climbers
Pangolins have strong, sharp claws to dig in the ground for food or to make nests. Some species are also very good at climbing trees and can even hang by their tails!

5. Walk on two legs
When moving on land, pangolins often walk on their two hind legs, balancing themselves on their tails. Sometimes they use their tails to support their bodies like kangaroos.

6. Shy nocturnal animals
Pangolins are nocturnal, meaning they are more active at night and spend most of their time alone.

7. Can spray their enemies like skunks
In addition to rolling up their bodies, some pangolin species can also spray a foul-smelling liquid from glands near their anus as a form of defense.

8. Endangered by illegal trade
Pangolins are the most traded animals in the world. Their scales are often used in traditional medicine, although there is no scientific evidence of their benefits.

9. Have various species in Asia and Africa
There are 8 species of pangolins, divided between Asia and Africa. Asian species are generally hairier on the underside of their bodies than African species.

10. Cannot bite or chew
Because they have no teeth, pangolins swallow their food directly. They rely on sticky saliva and gravel in their stomachs to aid digestion.

Pangolins are amazing creatures that play a vital role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem by controlling insect populations. However, they are highly endangered and need more protection to prevent extinction.

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