Indian pangolin

mammal

Also known as: Manis crassicaudata

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

The Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) is a scaly mammal found in tropical Asia and Africa. The name "pangolin" comes from a Malay word meaning "rolling over," referring to their defense mechanism of curling into a ball when threatened.12

These nocturnal animals primarily feed on ants and termites, using their strong forefeet to break into nests. Their primary defense is emitting an odorous secretion from anal glands and rolling into a protective ball of scales. Despite this, larger predators can still penetrate their armor.2

Sadly, all pangolin species are threatened with extinction due to hunting for their meat and body parts, which are used in traditional medicine. The Indian pangolin is classified as endangered.2

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pangolin
Conservation status
tetradactyla)—as vulnerable, three species—the Indian pangolin (M. crassicaudata), the white-bellied pangolin (P. tricuspis), and the giant ground pangolin—as endangered, and three species—the Philippine, or Palawan, pangolin (M. culionensis), the Sunda pangolin, and the Chinese pangolin—as critically endangered. So dire was the persecution of this group of animals
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tetradactyla)—as vulnerable, three species—the Indian pangolin (M. crassicaudata), the white-bellied pangolin (P. tricuspis), and the giant ground pangolin—as endangered, and three species—the Philippine, or Palawan, pangolin (M. culionensis), the Sunda pangolin, and the Chinese pangolin—as critically endangered. So dire was the persecution of this group of animals
Read More