Pangolins are the world’s only mammals entirely covered in scales, giving them an appearance often likened to a “walking artichoke.” Their bodies are adorned with large, overlapping plates that create a unique visual. This distinct characteristic sets them apart from all other mammals.
Biological Composition and Function
Pangolin scales are composed of keratin, the same fibrous structural protein found in human fingernails and hair. These scales are not shed but grow continuously throughout the pangolin’s life, attached to the underlying skin. As the animal digs for ants and termites, its primary food source, the edges of the scales are naturally filed down. The scales are soft on newborn pangolins and gradually harden as the animal matures, forming a formidable suit of armor.
The primary function of these scales is defense. When a pangolin perceives a threat from predators like lions or tigers, it employs a unique defensive posture. It curls itself into a tight, nearly impenetrable ball, tucking its vulnerable, scale-free face under its tail. The sharp edges of the overlapping scales provide an additional layer of protection, making it difficult for a predator to inflict injury.
Recent studies have also suggested that the scales may play a role in the pangolin’s innate immunity. The structure of the scales, with its porous and honeycomb-like features, could potentially trap pathogens. Research has identified various proteins and metabolites within the scales that exhibit antimicrobial properties, suggesting a complex defense system against infections.
Use in Traditional Medicine and Crafts
For centuries, pangolin scales have been a component in some traditional medicine systems, particularly in parts of Asia and Africa. Practitioners of these traditions have ascribed various healing properties to the scales, using them in powdered or paste form.
They are often purported to treat a wide range of ailments, from reducing swelling and improving blood circulation to addressing skin disorders. One common belief is that the scales can stimulate lactation in nursing mothers. Despite these persistent beliefs, there is no medical or scientific evidence to confirm the efficacy of pangolin scales for any health condition.
Beyond medicinal applications, the scales are also used for decorative purposes. Their unique appearance makes them desirable for use in crafts and as adornments on ceremonial garments. In some regions, they have been fashioned into jewelry or inlaid into other items as status symbols. This demand for both unproven remedies and ornamental objects contributes to the pressure on pangolin populations.
The Impact of Illegal Trafficking
The high demand for pangolin scales and meat has fueled a massive illegal trade, making the pangolin the most trafficked mammal in the world. It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of pangolins have been poached over the last decade to supply this black market.
As a direct result of this trafficking, every species of pangolin is now threatened with extinction. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists three species as Critically Endangered, the highest risk category. This includes the Chinese, Sunda, and Palawan pangolins. The other five species are designated as either Endangered or Vulnerable, reflecting the global nature of the crisis.
International agreements have been established to protect these animals. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has banned all international commercial trade of pangolins and their parts. Despite these legal protections, the illegal trade persists, driven by high market prices and continued demand. The defensive strategy of rolling into a ball, while effective against natural predators, makes pangolins easy for poachers to simply pick up and carry away.