9 interesting facts about pangolins
- It is estimated that one pangolin can consume in excess of 70 million insects per year.
- Pangolin scales are made of keratin, the same material that comprises hair and fingernails.
- Pangolins do not have teeth. They feed on on ants and termites using a long, sticky tongue.
- The pangolin’s scales comprise about 20% of its weight.
- Pangolins can close their ear and nostril openings to keep insects out.
- The pangolin’s tongue - when fully extended - can be up to 16 inches longer than the entire animal.
- Pangolins have very poor eyesight, but an excellent sense of smell.
- The pangolin’s stomach grinds contents with small stones, similar to a bird’s gizzard.
- Baby pangolins travel with their mother by riding on the base of her tail.
