What is a Pangolin?

Pangolins are mammals that are uniquely covered in tough, overlapping scales. These mammals eat ants and termites using an extraordinarily long, sticky tongue, and are able to quickly roll themselves up into a tight ball when they feel threatened. Eight different pangolin species can be found across Asia and Africa. Pangolins are one of the most trafficked mammals in Asia and, increasingly, Africa. Poaching for illegal wildlife trade and habitat loss have made these incredible creatures one of the most threatened groups of mammals in the world. All eight pangolin species are protected under national and international laws. But there is still growing international illegal trade in pangolins.