Pangolins: The Scaly Defender

Pangolins are nocturnal mammals famous for their protective scales. Found in Africa and Asia, they are highly specialized burrowers. 

Anatomy:

Pangolins are small, scaly, and have powerful, clawed forelimbs for digging. Distinctive is their armor-like coat of keratin scales, which provide protection from predators. These scales are tough and hard, much like those of reptiles. Pangolins have a long, flexible tail for balance, and their eyes are small, as they rely heavily on olfactory senses. They have a long, sticky tongue that can extend up to 40 cm to retrieve ants and termites from burrows. Their fitness in burrowing makes seeking shelter easy.

Evolution:

Pangolins' evolutionary lineage dates back around 65 million years, with fossils showing early forms showing pangolins larger in size. Their ancestors, members of the order Pholidota, evolved from insectivorous mammals. Early relatives of pangolins also had similar burrowing and insectivorous traits. Over time, pangolins adapted to various environments, but tended to lay low.

Interesting Facts

1. They are solitary creatures and communicate through scent marking.
2. Pangolins are critically endangered due to poaching for their scales and meat.
3. Pangolins are the only mammals wholly covered in scales.