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Pangolin (Manis temminckii)
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Description: A Pangolin, also called a scaly anteater or Trenggiling, is a mammal of the order Pholidota. Pangolins have large keratin scales covering their skin & are the only mammals with this adaptation. They are found in tropical regions of Africa & Asia. The name pangolin derives from the Malay word pengguling (something that rolls up).Pangolins are nocturnal animals & use their well developed sense of smell to find insects. Pangolins spend most of the daytime sleeping, curled up into a ball. The physical appearance of pangolins is marked by large, hardened, plate-like scales. The scales, which are soft on newborn pangolins but harden as the animal matures, are made of keratin, the same material of which human fingernails & tetrapod claws are made. The pangolin is often compared to a walking pine cone or globe artichoke. It can curl up into a ball when threatened, with its overlapping scales acting as armour & its face tucked under its tail. The scales on the tail can also be used as blades to slash at attackers. The scales are razor-sharp, providing extra defence. The front claws are so long that they are unsuited for walking & so the animal walks with its fore paws curled over to protect them. Pangolins can also emit a noxious smelling acid, similar to the spray of a skunk. Pangolins have short legs, with sharp claws which they use for burrowing into termite & ant mounds, as well as climbing. The tongues of pangolins are extremely elongated. Large pangolins can extend their tongues as much as 40 cm (16 in). In pangolins, the section of the brain that relates to problem solving is highly developed, although their problem solving ability is primarily used to find food in obscure locations. Pangolins lack teeth & the ability to chew. Instead, they tear open anthills or termite mounds with their powerful front claws & probe deep into them with their very long tongues. Pangolins are also very good swimmers.
Uploaded By: femcat38
Date: 12/14/2011
Views: 479
