Definition & Meaning of "pangolin"

What is a "pangolin"?

The pangolin is a unique mammal known for its distinctive appearance, resembling a walking pinecone or an armored artichoke. Pangolins are covered in tough, overlapping scales made of keratin, which is similar to human hair and nails. These scales provide excellent protection against predators, and when threatened, pangolins can roll up into a tight ball to defend themselves. Pangolins have a long, sticky tongue that they use to capture their main food source: ants and termites. They are primarily nocturnal and solitary animals, spending much of their time foraging for insects using their keen sense of smell and strong claws for digging. Pangolins are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and savannas, and are native to Asia and Africa.