Do pangolins relate closely to  Pangolins are amongst the smallest creatures to dwell on the earth and thee most harmless out of all the other creatures they share the earth with. Baby pangolins are called Pangopups, they are 6 inches long and weigh only 12 ounces at birth. They are born with soft, transparent scales which develop as they grow. Pangopups nurse for 3-4 months but begin eating insects after their first month. In their first month they also begin traveling with their mothers. PangopupsI enjoy riding on my mother’s tail where I am safe from any harm, I also begin to explore the world at this age. I am amply adventurous and start to become independent, I learn to walk on all four legs and on my hind legs while my tail balances me out. My tail is strong, flexible and can act as a fifth limb.  Our young are by our side, as we care and nurture for them, for the first year from when they are born. Once they are of age they venture out on their own journey. Original Image @Mark Boyd Original Article @ the safari collection - PANGOPUP PIGGYBACK I also learn to find insects and protect myself from danger, although I remain at home until I am a year old. While we may look like reptiles such as armadillos and anteaters, our DNA is closer to cats and dogs. We are the only mammals in the world with scales, which makes us utterly unique. My species is quite fragile and need to be left in the wild or we may have shorter lifespans or get diseases such as pneumonia, stomach ulcers and parasite infections. We are much healthier and happy when we are not held in captivity. How do Pangolins mark their territories?You know how other species such as dogs and cats identify their territories, we are sure you are aware. However, unlike them, pangolins do not use urine to mark their territories. Instead, they use a particular fluid formed by glands in the region of their anus. By rubbing their backs on the ground or on the tree, they distribute the fluid in contact with each other. They mark their territories in their own special way.  At the moment when our young are birthed their scales and sense of protection is yet in the stages of fragility. As maturity runs its course their scales harden and their protection from predators is strengthened. In a video by ‘Great Big Story’ [Jan 9. 2020], Dr Ray Jansen stated: “We can turn it around and you know it's not too late. Stop utilizing them, populations will recover. Leave their habitats alone and they have the potential to make a full comeback”. This statement could not have been put in better words. In order to see growth in the number of pangolins, this is precisely what we could do to change the future of these dear creatures. They need us, and we equally need them. Comments are closed.
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