What is a pangolin?

The pangolin is sometimes referred to as the "scaly anteater". Some people also call it the leg bump or the tail artichoke. No matter how you describe it, this lizard is a strange creature! Although some people think it is a reptile, the pangolin is a mammal. In fact, it is the only mammal which is covered in scales. The scales are made up of keratin, which is the same protein that makes up human hair and nails. The pangolin's scales form a barrier that helps it protect itself from predators in the wild. When threatened, the lizard curls up…