The pangolin looks like a cross
between an anteater and an
armadillo. It is native to southern
Africa and Asia. Its tough scales are
armor against predators. It uses its
long, curved claws to dig burrows
and destroy anthills.
The pangolin is a carnivore. But it
does not have any teeth. It uses its
tongue to snatch up ants, termites,
and other small insects. Its tongue
is attached to its long breastbone.
Pangolins have terrible eyesight.
They use their excellent senses
of smell and hearing to find
their prey.
Pangolins are the only
mammals in the world
covered in scales.
The scales are made
of keratin. This is the
same protein found in
human hair. Like hair, the scales
are constantly growing. They protect
the pangolin from predators such as
lions, tigers, and leopards. When the
pangolin feels threatened, it curls
itself into a ball.
A pangolin
searches for
insects to eat.
Pangolins Protect
Themselves with Armor
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