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Science & Nature • 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.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Pangolins are armoured, nocturnal mammals in the order Pholidota and family Manidae, known for their keratin scales and diet of ants and termites. Eight species live in Africa and Asia, and all are threatened by habitat loss and illegal trade. They are sometimes called scaly anteaters, though they are not closely related to anteaters.

Classification and appearance

Pangolins are placental mammals in the order Pholidota and family Manidae. Their bodies are covered in overlapping keratin scales, and they have small heads, long snouts, long tails, and no external ears.

Distribution and habitat

Pangolins are native to Africa and Asia. They live in a range of habitats, including tropical forests, grasslands, savannas, and woodland areas.

Diet and behaviour

Pangolins are specialised insect-eaters that mainly consume ants and termites. They are generally solitary and nocturnal, and many species dig for prey with strong front claws.

Conservation

Pangolin populations are declining because of poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and habitat loss. They are widely considered among the most trafficked wild mammals in the world.

Key facts

  • Pangolins are the only mammals covered in protective keratin scales.
  • They use long sticky tongues and strong claws to feed on ants and termites.
  • There are eight living species, with four in Africa and four in Asia.
  • All species are under threat from illegal trafficking and habitat loss.
  • They can curl into a defensive ball when threatened.
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Canadian context

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

Frequently asked questions

What is a pangolin?
A pangolin is a scaly, insect-eating mammal in the order Pholidota.
How many pangolin species are there?
There are eight living species of pangolin.
Where do pangolins live?
They live in Africa and Asia across habitats such as forests, grasslands, and savannas.
What do pangolins eat?
They mainly eat ants and termites.
Are pangolins reptiles?
No. Pangolins are mammals, not reptiles.
Why are pangolins endangered?
They are threatened by illegal trafficking, hunting, and habitat loss.

References

  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