Manis crassicaudata É. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1803

Indian Pangolin

Species recognized by The Integrated Taxonomic Information System external link, T Orrell (custodian) in 
IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened (NT) external link Showing: scientific names

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Manis crassicaudata É. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1803

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Manis crassicaudata Gray, 1827

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Table of Contents

Morphology

Physical Description

Source and Additional Information
Supplier
Animal Diversity Web external link
Copyright
©1995-2008, The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors. Some rights reserved external link
Author
Neil de Guia, University of Michigan
Editor
Phil Myers, Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan
Location
Source URL
View original data object external link
Citation
de Guia, N. 2000. "Manis crassicaudata" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed October 25, 2009 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Manis_crassicaudata.html. 

 

Head and body length of Manis crassicaudata can range from 45-75cm, and the tail can be 33-45cm. Males are generally larger than females. The head is small and triangular in shape and the body is slender and long. Manis crassicaudata is covered with about 15-18 rows of tough scales along the dorsal side of its head and body, and about 14-16 rows of scales on its tail. These scales are yellow-brown or yellow-gray in color and made of fused hair. The tough surface protects them from predators, prey, parasites, cold weather, and sharp rocks when they burrow. The scales make up 1/4 to 1/3 of it's body mass. They possess 5 powerful claws on each limb, 3 of which are adapted for digging burrows or locating their prey's nests. They have no teeth. Their tongue, which is 23-25.5cm long, is their main tool for capturing food. It has muscular attachments extending all the way to the pelvis.

 
"Manis crassicaudata É. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1803". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/982442". Accessed 19 Mar 2010.