Pangolins (păng'gə-lĭn) or scaly anteaters are mammals in the order Pholidota. There is only one family (Manidae) and one genus (Manis) of pangolins, comprising eight species. Pangolins have large scales on their skin and are found in tropical regions of Africa and Asia. The name "pangolin" is derived from the Malay word pengguling ("curling").

In older classifications, pangolins were classified with varying other orders, for example Edentata. Newer genetic evidence^*, however, indicates that the closest living relatives of pangolins are carnivores. Some paleontologists have classified the pangolins in the order Cimolesta, together with several extinct groups.

Physical description and behavior

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The physical appearance of pangolins is marked by large, hardened, plate-like scales, which are actually mats of hair. The hair is clumped togeter in such a way that makes them look like scales. They are often compared to walking pinecones or globe artichokes. They can curl up into a ball when threatened, with their overlapping scales acting as armour. The scales on newborn pangolins are soft but harden as they mature. The pangolin's scales are razor-sharp, and provide extra defense for this reason. Although not their primary weapon, the powerful legs of pangolins, used for digging through hard ground, are strong enough to break a human leg in one blow . The front claws of the pangolin are so long, they are unsuited for walking, and so the pangolin walks in a hunched-over manner on its hind legs, balanced by its large tail. The pangolin can also emit a noxious smelling acid from glands near the anus, similar to the spray of a skunk. Pangolins have short legs, with sharp claws which they use for burrowing.

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