Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata

The Indian Pangolin, also known as Scaly Anteater is a nocturnal mammal found in South Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Pakistan. It is easily recognized by its armor-like body covered in large, overlapping keratin scales. The Indian Pangolin has a long, sticky tongue that it uses to feed on ants and termites, which make up the bulk of its diet. It uses its strong, curved claws for digging into termite mounds and ant nests.

This species is solitary and typically lives in burrows, emerging at night to forage. When threatened, it curls into a ball, using its scales for protection. The species is currently listed as Endangered due to habitat loss, illegal hunting, and poaching for its scales, which are used in traditional medicine. 

IUCN Status: Endangered

IWLPA: Schedule I

CITES: Appendix I