Pangolin

From Encyclopediak

Pangolin, an Old World member of the Pangolin Family and related to the anteaters. Its tail, which is at least twice the length of its body, is longer than that of any other mammal. The limbs are short and the forelegs have long claws which are doubled under in such a way that the animal walks upon the backs of them. The limbs and the body, which slopes to both head and tail, are covered with reddish scales that are soft when the animal is young, but harden with age and form a protective plate armor. When attacked the pangolin rolls up and forms a hard-shelled ball which its enemy may roll but cannot open. Ants and termites form the food of the pangolin, and are scooped into its mouth by its long, slender tongue.