-o-
The scaly anteater (Manis gigantean) is also known as the giant pangolin. It is one of the strangest mammals in the world. It has a very small head and short legs. Its long body is covered with large, overlapping scales moved by powerful muscles that can cause serious injury. The giant pangolin sits on its hind legs and large tail when it starts to attack an anthill or a termite mound.
Basic Facts:
Length: to 6 feet
Weight: up to 70 pounds
Diet: termites and ants
Number of Young: 1 or 2
Home: tropical West Africa
First, it scratches the ground with its front feet, which have large curved claws good for digging. As soon as the mound is opened, the giant pangolin dives into it and catches the insects that live there with its long sticky tongue. Its tongue can reach into all the little corners and does not seem to be bothered by the insects' stings.
The insects, panicked by this attack, try to escape. They climb by the thousands onto the pangolin, which keeps up its destructive work without worry. Why should it worry? Its eyes and nostrils can be closed off by thick membranes. Its body is protected by scales, which move up and down, crushing any insects that get under them.
This strange animal lives in humid parts of the forest and in savannas in western and central Africa. During the day, it hides in a large burrow that ends in a deep, underground room that's about 6 feet wide. It goes out at night to look for food. If the pangolin feels in danger, it curls up in a ball to protect its stomach, which does not have scales. It stays in this position so tightly that even several people cannot uncurl it.
-o-
