The pangolin is not a ferocious animal. He doesn't even have teeth in his mouth. And it's not fast either. Its only defense is its horny scales made up of keratin which, overlapping one another, form a sort of "plate armor".
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him
The pangolin is not a ferocious animal. He doesn't even have teeth in his mouth. And it's not fast either. His only defense is hers horny flakes consisting of keratin which, overlapping each other, form a sort of "plate armor".
Only the belly, the inner part of the legs, the muzzle and the lateral parts of the head are uncovered. The armor is constructed in such a way as to allow the animal to curl up if frightened. The scales are sharp and can be used as weapons.
But, apparently, that's not enough for either protect the animal from humans. In fact, pangolins are used as an "ingredient" both in traditional Asian medicine and in some typical dishes.
There are eight species of pangolin and all eight are in decline, proceeding quickly towards the path of extinction. Current species live in tropical areas of South and Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. It is here, in particular in Namibia, that the Rare and Endangered Species Trust filmed a specimen rolling in the mud, having fun as a child would have fun in an amusement park.
In reality, however, rolling in the mud is more than just fun. The mud can help him fight parasites and cool his body temperature.
Roberta Ragni
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