Where does the Chinese pangolin live?
The Chinese pangolin lives in southern Nepal, north-eastern India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, northern Indochina and southern China, including the island of Hainan and most of Taiwan. It has been recorded up to 3,000 m. It inhabits tropical forests, bamboo forests, limestone forests, broadleaf and coniferous forests, but also fields and grasslands.
What does the Chinese pangolin eat?
It feeds mainly on insects, especially termites and ants. With its large front claws it digs into ant nests and termite mounds, then pulls out the insects with its long, sticky tongue. It is a secretive, nocturnal animal. Its hard scales protect it from predators, and when it feels threatened it curls into a ball. It digs long burrows, where it sleeps.
Is the Chinese pangolin endangered?
Yes: it has been listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN since 2014. The wild population is estimated to have declined by more than 80% in three generations, equal to 21 years. It is threatened foremost by poaching for the illegal wildlife trade.
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