Pangolins are mammals and are on verge of extinction in India
Q. Pangolins are- Published on 29 Feb 16a. Mammals
b. Birds
c. Insects
d. Marine animals
ANSWER: Mammals
- Pangolins are threatened by hunting (for their meat and armor) and heavy deforestation of their natural habitats, and are the most trafficked mammal in the world.
- Pangolin meat is considered a delicacy among several communities in India as well as a "tonic food" because of its alleged medicinal properties.
- Pangolins, often called scaly anteaters (or trenggiling), are toothless and have large keratin scales covering their skin and are the only known mammal with this adaptation.
- Of the eight species found worldwide (four each in Asia and Africa), two are known from India — Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) and Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla).
- It is found in tropical regions throughout Africa and Asia.
- International trade of pangolin is also prohibited under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
