# Scaly Anteaters (DD-141)

> Pangolins are mammals of the order Pholidota, covered in overlapping scales made of keratin. There are eight living species, four in Africa and four in Asia. They are mostly nocturnal and use strong claws to dig into ant and termite nests, catching insects with a long, sticky tongue; they have no teeth. When threatened, a pangolin curls into a tight ball protected by its scales. Pangolins are widely reported as among the most trafficked mammals in the world, hunted for their meat and scales, and all eight species were listed on CITES Appendix I in 2016, banning international commercial trade. The footage shows pangolins foraging and curling up, with the presenter.

- Department: Nature
- First published: 2023-12-25
- Last updated: 2023-12-25
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/scaly-anteaters/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## On the timeline

- **2016**: All eight pangolin species are listed on CITES Appendix I

Full timeline: https://detailenjoyer.com/timeline/?case=scaly-anteaters

## Quick facts

- **DD-141-F01**: Pangolin scales are made of keratin. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Keratin scales))_
- **DD-141-F02**: Four species are African and four Asian. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Eight species))_

## Write-up

Pangolins roll into a ball of keratin scales. They're often called scaly anteaters, but they aren't anteaters.

1. **Keratin scales**: Pangolin scales are made of keratin.
2. **Eight species**: Four species are African and four Asian.
3. **No teeth**: They eat ants and termites with a sticky tongue.
4. **Rolling up**: A threatened pangolin curls into a ball.
5. **CITES 2016**: All eight species were listed on CITES Appendix I in 2016.

## Related case files

- [Lucky Stripe (DD-101)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/lucky-stripe/): I paired it with more African wildlife
- [Rhinos (DD-142)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/rhinos/): I paired it with another mammal poached for keratin

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: The title uses the nickname 'scaly anteaters'; pangolins aren't related to true anteaters.

## Video: Scaly Anteaters: Pangolins Roll Into a Ball of Keratin Scales

- Duration: 36.5 s · Published: 2023-12-25
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/C1R8IgluHh-.mp4

### Transcript

Pangolins, sometimes referred to as scaly anteaters, are distinctive mammals with protective keratin scales covering their bodies. DID YOU KNOW? found in parts of Africa and Asia, these nocturnal creatures are well adapted for a life of digging and feeding on ants and termites? Pangolins are known for their unique defense mechanism. When threatened, they roll into a tight, armored ball, providing a shield of scales against potential predators. Unfortunately, pangolins face serious threats due to illegal wildlife trafficking, driven by demand for their scales. Despite international efforts to protect them, pangolins remain one of the most trafficked animals globally. Conservation initiatives aim to raise awareness about the importance of preserving these intriguing creatures. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: What are pangolin scales made of?**  
A: The same protein as hair and nails. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Keratin scales) · Wikipedia: Pangolin)_

**Q: How many living pangolin species are there?**  
A: Four African, four Asian. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Eight species) · Wikipedia: Pangolin)_

**Q: What do pangolins eat?**  
A: With a long, sticky tongue. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (No teeth) · Wikipedia: Pangolin)_

**Q: What does a threatened pangolin do?**  
A: Its scales protect it. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Rolling up) · Wikipedia: Pangolin)_

**Q: When were all pangolins listed on CITES Appendix I?**  
A: Banning international commercial trade. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (CITES 2016) · Wikipedia: Pangolin)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Pangolin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pangolin)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Scaly Anteaters." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-141, last updated Dec 25, 2023. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/scaly-anteaters/