Pangolin

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Pangolins[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Pholidota Weber, 1904 Family: Manidae Gray, 1821 Genus: Manis Linnaeus, 1758
Species
Manis culionensis Manis gigantea Manis temminckii Manis tricuspis Manis tetradactyla Manis crassicaudata Manis pentadactyla Manis javanica

Pangolins (pronounced /ˈpæŋgəlɪn/) or scaly anteaters are mammals in the order Pholidota. There is only one extant family (Manidae) and one genus (Manis) of pangolins, comprising eight species. (There are also a number of extinct taxa within Pholidota.) Pangolins have large scales on their skin and are found in tropical regions of Africa and Asia. The name "pangolin" is derived from the Malay word pengguling ("something that rolls up").

In older classifications, pangolins were classified with various other orders, for example Edentata, which includes the ordinary anteaters and the similar-looking armadillos. Newer genetic evidence,^[2] however, indicates that the closest living relatives of pangolins are the Carnivora, with which they form a clade, the Ferae^[3]. Some paleontologists have classified the pangolins in the order Cimolesta, together with several extinct groups.

Contents 1 Physical description and behavior 2 Diet 3 Reproduction 4 Threats 5 Taxonomy 6 References 7 External links

[edit] Physical description and behavior

The physical appearance of pangolins is marked by large, hardened, plate-like scales. The scales, which are soft on newborn pangolins but harden as the animal matures, are made of keratin, the same material of which human fingernails and tetrapod claws are made. The pangolin is often compared to a walking pine cone or globe artichoke. It can curl up into a ball when threatened, with its overlapping scales acting as armour and its face tucked under its tail. The scales are razor-sharp, and provide extra defense for this reason. The front claws are so long that they are unsuited for walking, and so the animal walks in a hunched-over manner on its hind legs, balanced by its large tail. The pangolin can also emit a noxious smelling acid from glands near the anus, similar to the spray of a skunk. Pangolins have short legs, with sharp claws which they use for burrowing.

The size of pangolins vary by species, ranging from 30 cm to 100 cm. Females are generally smaller than males.

The tongues of pangolins are extremely elongated and extend into the abdominal cavity. By convergent evolution pangolins, the giant anteater, and the tube-lipped nectar bat, all have tongues which are disattached from their hyoid bone and extend past their pharynx deep into the thorax.^[4] This extension lies between the sternum and the trachea. Pangolins can extend their tongues 6 cm.

[edit] Diet

Pangolins lack teeth and the ability to chew. Instead, they tear open anthills or termite mounds with their powerful front claws and probe deep into them with their very long tongues. Pangolins have an enormous salivary gland in their chests to lubricate the tongue with sticky, ant-catching saliva.

Some species, such as the Tree Pangolin, use their strong tails to hang from tree branches and strip away bark from the trunk, exposing insect nests inside.

[edit] Reproduction

Gestation is 120-150 days. Females usually give birth to a single offspring, but occasionally to two, and, rarely, three. Birth weight is between 80-450 g (3-18 ounces) each.

[edit] Threats

Pangolin is eaten as a type of bush meat in parts of Africa. This, coupled with deforestation, has led to a large decrease in the numbers of Giant Pangolins, which are now an endangered species. The Chinese believe scales of pangolin reduce swelling, promote blood circulation and help breast-feeding women produce milk. A large number of pangolins are slaughtered for medical use.

[edit] Taxonomy

• ORDER PHOLIDOTA
  • Family †Epoicotheriidae
  • Family †Metacheiromyidae
  • Family Manidae
    • Subfamily †Eurotamanduidae
      • Genus †Eurotamandua
    • Subfamily Maninae
      • Genus †Eomanis
      • Genus †Necromanis
      • Genus †Patriomanis
      • Genus Manis
        • Subgenus Manis
          • Indian Pangolin (M. crassicaudata)
          • Chinese Pangolin (M. pentadactyla)
        • Subgenus Paramanis
          • Sunda Pangolin (M. javanica)
          • Philippine Pangolin (M. culionensis)
        • Subgenus Smutsia
          • Giant Pangolin (M. gigantea)
          • Ground Pangolin (M. temmincki)
        • Subgenus Phataginus
          • Tree Pangolin (M. tricuspis)
        • Subgenus Uromanis
          • Long-tailed Pangolin (M. tetradactyla)

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Pangolin: Wildlife summary from the African Wildlife Foundation
• A photograph of a pangolin
• Tree of Life of Pholidota