What is a pangolin?

Pangolins are mammals which have an unusual appearance. Instead of fur their bodies are covered with large, keratin scales. The name comes from the Malay word, ‘pengguling’ which means ‘something that rolls up’. The animal’s favourite food is ants. But it does not suffer from ant bites, thanks to the scales that cover its body. It has no teeth and hence cannot chew food. It tears open anthills or termite mounds with its powerful front claws and probes deep into them with its long tongue.