WORLD PANGOLIN DAY

(Last Updated On: December 15, 2022)

Every year on the third Saturday in February, World Pangolin Day celebrates these unique animals known as scaly anteaters. The day also spreads awareness about the need to protect these endangered mammals.

Since the pangolin is covered in scales, many people mistakenly think it is a reptile. However, these animals are actually a mammal. They are the only kind of mammal that is wholly covered in scales. Their scales help protect them from predators. Pangolins also have very sharp scales on their tail. When they feel threatened, they roll up into a ball and ward off predators with their tails. These animals do not have teeth. They do, however, have sticky tongues that enable them to eat ants and larvae off of the ground.

Here are some more fun facts about pangolins:

They vary widely in size and weigh anywhere from 3.5 to 73 pounds.
They are rarely seen in the wild, and those who do see one consider it good luck.
There are eight different species of pangolins, and all are protected under international laws.
Pangolin comes from a Malay word that means roller.
Pangolins only live in Asia and Africa.

Because they are so hard to find, it’s unknown how many pangolins are left in the world. However, it is known that each year up to 200,000 pangolins are poached from the wild. This makes pangolins the most trafficked mammal in the world. Their meat is considered a delicacy in China and Vietnam. The Chinese also use this animal’s scales for medicinal purposes.

HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldPangolinDay

On this day, wildlife conservation organizations and pangolin lovers worldwide spread awareness for this unique animal. Their goal is to save the pangolin and educate the public about this endangered animal. They do this by hosting storytelling events, talks, charity walks, and online information sharing. To participate:

Donate to an organization that works to protect pangolins, such as WWF or WILDAID.
Help your child draw, paint, or sculpt a pangolin.
Watch the Disney remake of The Jungle Book and look for the pangolin.
Read the books “Pangy the Pangolin” or “Roly Poly Pangolin” to your children.

Find a picture or video of a pangolin and share it on social media with #WorldPangolinDay.