Have you ever heard of pangolins? If not, let’s introduce you to some of the wild cutest creatures out there.

The age of pangolins is uncertain, as they have been on Earth for over 80 million years.
They are the only mammals known to be covered in scales, which makes them often being confused with reptiles.

The tongue of a pangoline is longer than its body so it can drink water and capture its prey easier.

How do they stay safe? Pangolines eliminate an awful odor similar to that of a skunk when they feel endagered – and their enemies surely run away as fastly as they can!
Another protection measure is rolling up into a perfect ball shape until their threat is gone and they feel safe again.

However, none of these features protect them from human beings, making it easy for people to capture them.
Statistics say that over 100,000 pangolines are caught and sold every year. What happens to them afterwards? Some are shipped to Asia, where their meat is sold for medicinal purposes or simply to get a fancy meal.

Recently, each of the 8 species of pangolines was introduced to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of endangered animal species threatened with extinction.