Pangolin Species of India

Pangolins are a highly endangered species and they are hunted for their scales. Though, the use its scales for medical or other purposes is banned internationally, yet they are used illegally to treat arthritis and stomach ailments in countries like China and Thailand.

Indian Pangolin

The Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) is a mammal found in the tropical regions of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal. It is an scaled insectivore that feeds on ants and termites. It can curl itself into a ball as a form of self-defence against predators such as the tiger.

A pangolin’s tongue is extremely elongated. Large pangolins can extend their tongues up to 40 centimetres with a diameter of 0.5 centimetres. The nocturnal animal uses its sense of smell while digging to reach nests or mounds and also when foraging for food. The lifespan of the ant-eaters is about 12 years.

Currently, the Indian pangolin is listed as near-threatened by IUCN. This species is included in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.

Chinese Pangolin

The Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) is a heavily armored anteater found in forests across southern China, northeastern India, parts of Southeast Asia, and Taiwan. Adults reach 40-58 cm long plus a 25-38 cm prehensile tail, and weigh 5-7 kg.

Chinese pangolins use their long tongues to lap up ants and termites from nests and mounds. Historically common, they have experienced catastrophic declines in recent decades due to rampant poaching for meat and use of scales in traditional medicine, habitat loss, and more.

Exact population sizes are unknown but likely reduced below 5,000 total and fragmented into small isolated groups. Chinese pangolin numbers continue falling precipitously, recently as much as 80% over 10 years in China. All eight pangolin species face severe threat. Consequently, Chinese pangolins are now classified as Critically Endangered and one of the most trafficked animals worldwide.