Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 31, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Field Notes • Mammal

Pangolin

Pangolins are armoured, nocturnal mammals in the order Pholidota and family Manidae, known for their keratin scales and diet of ants and termites.

Updated July 31, 20261 min readCited sources

Pangolins are armoured, nocturnal mammals covered in keratin scales, often called scaly anteaters. They are the only mammals with such scales and are among the most trafficked wild animals in the world.

What it is

Pangolins belong to the order Pholidota and family Manidae. They have small heads, long snouts, long tails, and no external ears. Their bodies are covered in overlapping keratin scales, which they use for protection by curling into a ball.

Key details

There are eight species: four in Africa and four in Asia. They live in forests, grasslands, and savannas. Pangolins are solitary, nocturnal insectivores that eat ants and termites using long sticky tongues and strong claws.

Why it matters

All eight pangolin species are threatened by poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and habitat loss. Several are endangered or critically endangered. Canadian readers may encounter pangolin conservation through wildlife-trade policy and groups like World Animal Protection Canada.

In short

  • Only mammals with protective keratin scales
  • Eight species in Africa and Asia
  • All species threatened by trafficking and habitat loss
  • Solitary, nocturnal, ant-and-termite eaters
Canadian angle

Canadian readers may encounter pangolin conservation coverage through wildlife-trade policy, zoo education, and Canada-based conservation groups such as World Animal Protection Canada.

Quick questions

What is a pangolin?
A pangolin is a scaly, insect-eating mammal in the order Pholidota.
Are pangolins reptiles?
No. Pangolins are mammals, not reptiles.
Why are pangolins endangered?
They are threatened by illegal trafficking, hunting, and habitat loss.

Sources

  1. National Geographic Kids — https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/pangolin
    Supports: Eight species, habitat, nocturnal behaviour, diet, scales, and trafficking threats
  2. World Animal Protection Canada — https://www.worldanimalprotection.ca/education/animal-facts/pangolin-facts/
    Supports: Eight species, distribution in Africa and Asia, solitary and nocturnal behaviour
  3. NRDC — https://www.nrdc.org/bio/elly-pepper/10-facts-about-pangolins-world-pangolin-day
    Supports: Etymology, habitats, scales, and conservation/trafficking threats
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/pangolin
    Supports: Taxonomy and family classification
  5. African Wildlife Foundation — https://www.awf.org/wildlife-conservation/pangolin
    Supports: Mammal status, keratin scales, and feeding adaptations
  6. IFAW — https://www.ifaw.org/journal/faq-pangolins
    Supports: Native range, diet, and conservation threats