The Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) is a pangolin or scaly ant-eater that is found in many parts of India. Like other pangolins they have large, overlapping scales on the body which act like armour. They can also curl themselves as self defence against predators, namely the tiger. They are insectivores and feed on ants and termites, digging them out of their mounds using their long claws that are as long as their forelimb. They live mainly in burrows and are known to climb trees. They are also considered to be curious animals and have been killed for so-called medicinal value. Pangolins are amazing creatures, as the scales are not skelatal, yet tiny hairs all squashed together to make scales.

References

Pangolins | Mammals of India

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