INDIAN PANGOLIN Meaning and
Definition
-
The Indian pangolin, scientifically known as Manis crassicaudata, is a mammal belonging to the family Manidae and is native to the Indian subcontinent. It is a unique and intriguing species characterized by its spiky keratin scales covering its body. This nocturnal creature possesses a stout body, well-adapted for digging and burrowing, reaching an average length of around 60 to 90 centimeters.
The Indian pangolin has a small head, conical snout, and a long, sticky tongue that it uses to consume its primary diet composed of ants and termites. It relies heavily on its sense of smell to locate its prey and has strong claws to both excavate soil and rip apart ant mounds. Its scales, which are made of keratin, act as a protective armor by forming overlapping plates that shield it against predators and environmental threats.
This species is primarily found in various habitats ranging from grasslands and dry forests to agricultural fields throughout the Indian subcontinent. While it prefers to live a solitary life, Indian pangolins are known to climb trees and swim if necessary.
Unfortunately, the Indian pangolin is currently facing numerous threats, such as habitat loss due to deforestation, hunting for its scales, meat, and underground market demand for traditional medicine. These reasons have led it to be listed as "Endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Conservation efforts are vital for the preservation of this species in order to protect its ecological significance as a predator of ants and termites and maintain biodiversity balance within its ecosystem.
Common Misspellings for INDIAN PANGOLIN
- undian pangolin
- jndian pangolin
- kndian pangolin
- ondian pangolin
- 9ndian pangolin
- 8ndian pangolin
- ibdian pangolin
- imdian pangolin
- ijdian pangolin
- ihdian pangolin
- insian pangolin
- inxian pangolin
- incian pangolin
- infian pangolin
- inrian pangolin
- ineian pangolin
- induan pangolin
- indjan pangolin
- indkan pangolin
- indoan pangolin
Etymology of INDIAN PANGOLIN
The etymology of the word "Indian pangolin" can be broken down as follows:
1. Indian: The term "Indian" refers to India, which is a country in South Asia. The name "India" itself is derived from the Old Persian word "Hindu", which referred to the people living beyond the Indus River. Over time, the pronunciation of "Hindu" transformed to "Indu" or "Indi", thus giving rise to the name "India".
2. Pangolin: The word "pangolin" comes from the Malay word "pengguling", which means "rolling up". This word was used to describe the unique behavior of pangolins, as they have the ability to roll themselves into a tight, ball-like shape for defense. The word "pengguling" was then adapted into "pangolin" in English.
