World Pangolin Day

World Pangolin Day is celebrated on February 20^th every year. It is an opportunity for pangolin enthusiasts to come together to raise awareness about these unique mammals and their plight.

History of World Pangolin Day

Pangolin, the only scaly mammal on earth is found in parts of Africa and Asia. They are uniquely adapted to eating ants with their extremely long tongues that can reach deep into anthills. Although often described as resembling anteaters or sloths, they are actually more closely related to carnivores such as wolves and bears. Once provoked, the ants run out only to encounter an impenetrable protective armor. Pangolins play a very important role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations, which are also important for keeping the soil aerated and fertile, eating up to 70 million ants a year!

When scared, the pangolin will curl up into a tight ball to protect its soft underbelly, making it a prime target for poachers. Pangolins are in demand for their scales (used in traditional medicine and fashion) and their meat (used as a sign of success due to high prices).

The threat of wildlife crime has drastically reduced the pangolin population in the wild. But there is hope!

People around the globe are working in tandem to protect and conserve these unique animals; governments have expressed a commitment to enforcing the law and reducing demand. Individuals have promised to make informed purchases. Influencers have raised awareness and inspired action. You can also join the movement and pledge to help pangolins and all trafficked species today.

Pangolin Day is an opportunity for pangolin enthusiasts to come together to raise awareness about these unique mammals - and their plight. The numbers of these incredible creatures are rapidly decreasing in Asia and Africa due to poaching and illegal hunting. Worldwide, there are eight species ranging from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered, so today is the day to start helping raise awareness about these underappreciated animals.

Little is known about these creatures however they are the only species of scaly mammal. These unique mammals are covered with tough scales, including horny substance. They mostly eat only ants and termites. Mammals are mostly nocturnal and elusive and frugal, so it's difficult to learn more about their habits. Due to the difference in their size and scale, each species of pangolin can have a different range in the number of scales. The number of scales on the Sunda pangolin is estimated to be between 900 and over 1000.

Some interesting facts about World Pangolin Day

• Pangolins are the only mammals having scales.
• To protect themselves, they curl up into balls like hedgehogs.
• Their name comes from the Malay word 'pengguling' which means 'something rolled up'.
• They are the most trafficked mammal in the world.
• The pangolin's tongue can be longer than its body when fully stretched can be 40 cm long!

How to celebrate World Pangolin Day

• TWEET using hashtag #WorldPangolinDay
• LIKE World Pangolin Day Facebook page
• BLOG about pangolins World Pangolin Day
• SHARE information about pangolins on your social networks
• CREATE pangolin art - paint, draw, sculpt, tattoo
• EDUCATE by giving presentations on pangolins at school
• SUPPORT the organizations that are working to protect pangolins
• WATCH a World Pangolin Day party or event (post your photo on the World Pangolin Day page!)
• BAKE cookie or a pangolin cake (post your picture on the World Pangolin Day page!)
• REQUEST full enforcement of laws and penalties for pangolin (and other wildlife) smuggling
• INFORMATION Traditional medicine prescribes that it is illegal to use pangolin scales (and there are no proven health benefits to consuming the scales - they are made of keratin, just like fingernails) !)
• Notify authorities if you see pangolins for sale in markets or on restaurant menus, or if you know someone who is capturing or in possession of pangolins.