A Pangolin
The Indian Pangolin
The Indian pangolin, this uncommon species of mammal found all over across the mysterious land of India.
It's a solitary, shy, slow-moving and nocturnal mammal. It is about 122 cm i.e., 1.5 metres long from head to tail, and weighs 10–16 kg. Females are generally smaller than the males.
pangolins has large, overlapping scales on its body which act as armour. These scale are 6–7 cm long and 8.5 cm wide.It can also curl itself into volvation like a ball as self-defence against predators such as the tigers and leopards.
It is an insectivore, feeding on ants and termites, digging them out using its long claws and long sticky toung. Pangolins are rests in deep burrows during the day.
It is not common anywhere in its range, and is threatened by hunting for its meat and for various body parts.
Maharashtra becomes first state in India to get dedicated action plan to protect pangolins.
Karan Kothekar, India, Mumbai
