The
Indian Pangolin (
Manis crassicaudata), "Thick-tailed Pangolin" or ”Scaly Ant-eater” is a
pangolin that is found in the plains and hills of
India,
Sri Lanka,
Nepal and some parts of
Pakistan.
It is not common anywhere in its range. Like other pangolins, it has
large, overlapping scales on the body which act like an armour. It can
also curl itself into a ball as self defense against predators such as
the
tiger. Its colour of its scales varies and depends on the colour of the earth in its surroundings.
[3] It is an
insectivore
that feeds on ants and termites, digging them out of mounds and
tree-logs using its long claws, which are as long as its forelimbs. It
is nocturnal and rests in deep burrows during the day.
It is hunted for its meat, which is considered tasty, and for making medicinal oil.
[4]
In Kerala, it is known as "Eenampechi". In Sinhala it is called ”Kaballewa” and in Tamil ”Azhungu” or "Alangu"
[5]
