Pholidota Spotlight: Chinese Pangolin

Okay, I got a great one for you this week! Check out the Chinese pangolin. The best way to describe this critter is something like a cross between an armadillo, a sloth, and an aardvark. As the name suggests, they can be found in China--mostly in Taiwan and southern China which includes the islands of Hainan. Right off the bat, I have to say that they are one of the coolest looking animals that I have spotlighted.

From head to tail-base, the Chinese pangolin is as much as 22 inches long with a tail that can be as long as 15 inches. Thy can weigh as much as 15 pounds. Their body is covered in layered scales that are very, VERY hard. These scales provide so much protection that they can actually be used in suits of armor. Their front claws are very long and curved much like a sloth's. Similar to an aardvark, they have long, sticky tongues.

The Chinese pangolin is a low activity creature. They tend to slowly walk around looking for food. They usually do this overnight and don't like being watched while they are busy in this way. Their armor does well to protect them from predators. When they are under attack, they will curl up into a little armored ball and wait until the predator either gives up or breaks all of its teeth. You may find it interesting that the name pangolin actually comes from a Malay word which means "something that rolls up."

As might be expected, the Chinese pangolin eats insects. They prefer either ants or termites. Now, termite mounds are very hard, but the Chinese pangolin will use its strong claws to break into them. Their long, sticky tongue is then shot out to grab the little insects. Yum!

The International Union for Conservation of Nature has given the Chinese pangolin a rating of CR (Critically Endangered.) The Chinese pangolin is exceptional at avoiding predators because of their armor, and they really pose no trouble to humans. The reason they are dying out is because they are being hunted for their scales. Some Chinese believe that these scales can help cure some diseases, which is not really true and based mostly on superstition. The scales are often sold in stores as good luck charms as well. The fact of the matter is that they are being unnecessarily hunted to the brink of extinction, and I would prefer that it be stopped.

Have Chinese pangolins been represented in fiction? The answer is yes! In the Welkin Weasels book "Heastward Ho!" by Gary Kilworth, there was a realm the characters travel too called Far Kathay which was just a goofy name used to describe China. Here, the Chinese pangolins were the most common citizens as well as its leaders. Since the bulk of the characters of the series are mustelids, seeing creatures like the Chinese pangolin really made it feel like they had entered into an alien country far from their own.

My own view of the Chinese pangolin combines their quiet demeanor with their natural armor. They would make wonderful lone warriors going out to perform good deeds. They would fight off enemies and save towns who have fallen under such tyranny. After the mission is complete, they would quietly disappear leaving the people wondering where their hero had gone to. I think the Chinese pangolin is too much of an introvert to accept any sort of thanks. He simply moves on.

Have a look at this little guy. He has a very interesting body. I can't get enough of it. I think it would be so much fun to have one as a pet and watch him roll up whenever he gets startled. The Chinese pangolin is a cute creature and is well deserving to have a spotlight of his own.

Thank you for reading my blog! If you enjoyed it, you can comment below or you can email me at tkwadeauthor@gmail.com. Thanks!