Indian Pangolin

NH-M-38

Indian Pangolin

NH-M-38

Description

Scientific name - Manis crassicaudata

The Indian pangolin, thick-tailed pangolin, or scaly anteater is a pangolin found in the plains and hills of India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan. It is not common anywhere in its range. It has large, overlapping scales on its body that act as armour. It can also curl itself into a ball in self-defence against predators such as the tiger, lion and leopard. It is an insectivore that feeds on ants and termites, digging them out of mounds and logs using its long claws, which are as long as its forelimbs. It is nocturnal and rests in deep burrows during the day. The Indian pangolin is endangered by hunting for its meat and for various body parts used in traditional medicine.

Collection

Natural History

Object Type

Mammal

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Technique

Taxidermy

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