Sunda Pangolin

Sunda Pangolin
Manis javanica

Pangolins are unique among mammals as they are covered with scaled armour. When threatened they curl up into a tight ball. Also known as scaly anteaters, pangolins feed almost exclusively on ants and termites. They have no teeth and lick up their prey using long sticky tongues. Their powerful claws are used to break into ant and termite nests, as well as to dig burrows.

The Sunda Pangolin is severely threatened due to hunting for its scales and meat, as well as deforestation. Australian Museum staff are often asked to identify illegally imported wildlife products seized by Australian authorities, including pangolin scales.

Distribution: South-East Asia, from Burma to western Indonesia
Conservation status: Critically Endangered
Evolutionary distinctiveness: Low