Today is World Pangolin Day. I know you are as excited as I am. My son has been a fan of pangolins since before I even knew they existed. Pangolins, sometimes called scaly anteaters, are the only mammals completely covered in scales. There are eight species and they range in size from about 15 inches long and 8 pounds to giant pangolins weighing up to 73 pounds. Their tongues are longer than their bodies. Nature has played a dirty trick on pangolins. Because they are covered in scales they have evolved the protective strategy of curling into a tight ball to save themselves. While that's a good strategy if you're trying to keep a larger animal from eating you, it makes it way too easy for poachers to pick you up and haul you away. Some Asian countries value pangolin scales for their supposed medicinal properties, and consequently they are the most illegally trafficked animal in the world. So now you know everything I know about these scaly creatures. Poor little pangolins.
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