Indian Pangolin
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Indian Pangolin[1] |
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Manis crassicaudata Gray, 1827 |
The Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) is a pangolin that is found in many parts of India. Like other pangolins, it has large, overlapping scales on the body which act like armour. It can also curl itself into a ball as self defence against predators such as the Tiger. It is an insectivore and feeds on ants and termites, digging them out of their mounds using its long claws that are as long as its forelimbs. It lives mainly in burrows and is known to climb trees. It is also considered to be a curious animal and has been killed for so-called medicinal value.
[edit] References
- ^ Schlitter, Duane A. (November 16, 2005). in Wilson, D. E., and Reeder, D. M. (eds): Mammal Species of the World, 3rd edition, Johns Hopkins University Press, 530. ISBN 0-801-88221-4.
- ^ Pangolin Specialist Group (1996). Manis crassicaudata. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006.