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Pangolins come in a variety of sizes, with their length depending on the subspecies they belong to. The tiniest pangolins measure about 12 inches long, while the largest ones can grow up to an impressive 39 inches. They are fascinating creatures that are completely covered in tough, overlapping scales made of keratin which is the same substance that forms human hair and nails. This provides them with a remarkable defense against predators.
As pangolins age, their scales harden and become even more durable, further enhancing their protective armor. These unique animals have short legs, and they are capable of walking on their two hind feet. Their front feet are equipped with sharp claws, making them excellent at burrowing into termite mounds to find their favorite food.
When a pangolin senses danger, it has an incredible defense mechanism. It can curl itself into a tight ball, tucking its head securely between its front legs or beneath its tail. The scales on its body are sharp, making it difficult for a predator to bite down on the pangolin without getting hurt. Pangolins are not defenseless creatures; they can also lash out with their scaled tail if they feel threatened.
There
are a total of eight unique subspecies of pangolins, with four of them residing
in Africa and the other four in Asia. Pangolins can be found in a diverse range
of habitats, depending on their specific species. Some prefer to make their
homes in burrows dug into the ground, while others choose to reside in hollow
trees.
These fascinating creatures can be encountered in various environments, including lush forests, open woodlands, sprawling grasslands, and even more. Their adaptability to different ecosystems showcases the versatility and resilience of these remarkable animals.
Pangolins have a specialized diet, as all species of these unique animals are insectivores. They primarily feast on termites, but they’re not picky eaters and will also enjoy ants or larvae if the opportunity arises. As they consume large quantities of insects, pangolins play a vital role in controlling termite populations. In fact, they can gobble up an impressive 200,000 termites in a single day!
Some species of pangolins exhibit a diverse range of skills, including the
ability to climb trees and swim, highlighting their incredible adaptability in
the wild. These unique creatures also rely on scent markings to communicate with
one another, which plays a crucial role in establishing territory, finding
mates, and preventing confrontations between individuals.
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