Also known as the African black-bellied pangolin, this species is the smallest of the pangolins. They are native to west Africa and mainly reside on trees, using their long tails to hang from branches. They are covered with hard protective scales and roll up into a ball to deter predators. Pangolins have no teeth and use their sticky tongues to pick up ants. They are also able to swim long distances. They are threatened by illegal poaching for meat, medicinal use and international trade.
