The Pangolin|4-8

By: Or Desai

Have you ever heard of the Pangolin? I hadn't until recently. Pangolins look sort of like an anteater, but aren´t anywhere related to them. They have a hard shell made from keratin scales, what your fingernails are made out of.

Where do they live?

Pangolins live throughout Africa and Asia. There are 8 different species of them, all of which are at least vulnerable. Many of them are critically endangered.
Image result for pangolin range

What do they eat?

A pangolin eats insects like ants, but they also eat worms as well. Scientists estimate that a pangolin can at as many as 70 MILLION insects every year. Pangolins also have special muscles in their mouths which protect against attacking insects.

Threats

Pangolins are in severe danger, for one is poached every 5 minutes. Even though international trade is prohibited, pangolin skin is prized in many countries around the world. That is why they are the most poached mammal.
A pangolin skin hung at a market alongside other endangered species

How can you help?

Many people don't know about the pangolin, so right now we need to INFORM the public about this endangered animal. Tell your friends about this species, and reshare this post on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or any other social media platform. Write emails to political leaders telling them about this animal too!
http://savepangolins.org/what-is-a-pangolin/
http://savepangolins.org/threats/
http://www.pangolinsg.org/

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