Pangolin
Pangolins are eight species of Asian and African mammals in the family Manidae, order Pholidota. Their keratin scales, long tongues and ant- and termite-based diets distinguish them among mammals. All eight species face a high risk of extinction, chiefly from overexploitation and habitat loss, despite restrictions on commercial international trade.
Classification and distribution
Pangolins are mammals in the family Manidae and order Pholidota. Eight living species are recognized: the Chinese, Indian, Philippine and Sunda pangolins in Asia, and the giant, white-bellied, Temminck’s ground and black-bellied pangolins in Africa. The species occupy varied habitats, including tropical forests, woodlands and savannas; some climb trees, while others are mainly ground-dwelling.
Ecology and adaptations
Pangolins are mostly nocturnal insectivores that feed chiefly on ants and termites. Strong forelimbs and claws help them break into insect nests, and their long, sticky tongues collect prey. Their bodies are covered by hard scales made of keratin. When threatened, a pangolin can curl into a ball, using the scales as a physical defense. Pangolins are not closely related to anteaters or armadillos, despite similarities in appearance or diet.
Conservation
Illegal hunting and trade for meat, scales and other body parts are major pressures on pangolins; habitat loss also contributes to their decline. The International Union for Conservation of Nature reported in 2025 that all eight recognized species remain at high risk of extinction, while noting that limited recent population estimates make the scale of the problem difficult to measure. At the 2016 CITES Conference of the Parties, all eight species were transferred to Appendix I; the listing took effect on 2 January 2017 and prohibits commercial international trade in the species and their parts. Illegal trade nevertheless continues.
Key facts
- Living species
- Eight species are recognized, with four in Asia and four in Africa.
- Classification
- Family Manidae, order Pholidota.
- Diet
- Mostly ants and termites.
- Distinctive covering
- Keratin scales cover the body; threatened pangolins can curl into a ball.
- Trade protection
- All eight species are listed in CITES Appendix I, which prohibits commercial international trade.
Timeline
2016
At CITES CoP17, all eight pangolin species were transferred from Appendix II to Appendix I.
2 January 2017
The Appendix I listing took effect, prohibiting commercial international trade in pangolins and their parts.
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References
- 1.Manidae (pangolins) INFORMATION Animal Diversity Web
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology · other · reliability: high · retrieved 21 October 2026
Supports: Taxonomic placement, number of species, geographic distribution and ecological characteristics.
- 2.Pangolins
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service · other · reliability: high · retrieved 21 October 2026
Supports: Species distribution, habitats, feeding adaptations, CITES listing and conservation threats.
- 3.Pangolins - Pangolin Specialist Group
Pangolin Specialist Group · other · reliability: high · retrieved 21 October 2026
Supports: Pangolin traits, species names, threats and conservation status information.
- 4.Lack of data and reporting gaps hamper global efforts to protect pangolins - Press release
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) · other · reliability: high · retrieved 21 October 2026
Supports: 2025 assessment of extinction risk, exploitation, habitat loss and gaps in population data.
References are suggested by the research engine and may be incomplete. Unverified URLs are omitted rather than guessed.
Article history
- Version 121 October 2026 · EditorCreated by Zapia