Image Source

I could not help it but get awed by the Palawan pangolin or scaly anteater (Paramanis culionensis) upon encountering it walking slowly but consistently under the clearing of our uncleared homelot, about seven kilometers away from downtown Puerto Princesa. A wonderful work of nature, the scaly anteater rolled up on our approach attempting to capture it. That is why we call it “balintong” in our dialect, which means “stumble and roll over”. We were not able to catch it as we’re apprehensive of its apparently sharp armor. That was 18 years ago. And I got only one opportunity to see again two of them in captivity, but briefly because they were able to escape using their unidirectional scales (once they get through something, they pass through).

Description

The scaly anteater could attain a length of two and a half feet, its tail length about a foot long. It is covered by broad, horny, and tough overlapping scales protecting the dorsal portion of its neck, the body and all over the tail. The ventral or abdominal portion is relatively unprotected but finds protection when the animal curls itself tightly. It has a long, piglike snout that seems to hiss while looking for termite mounds. Since it feeds principally on termites, it has no teeth and has to rely on its long sticky tongue to feed. Its eyes are small, followed closely posteriorly by its small ears with raised skin fold. It is generally pale yellowish white in color while the scales are translucent. It has a distinct, a bit pungent, smell.

Biology

The scaly anteater appears to be oblivious of things or movement in its surroundings during daytime as it is more adapted to active movement at night. It will respond to disturbance though as when approach and this could be attributed more to its sense of smell than sight. Its strong claws allows it to burrow through termite mounds while it extends its long, sticky tongue to get to the termites which it finds nested either on the trees or on the ground. Its claws and strong tail allows it to climb trees or hang among the branches. In captivity, feeding was not observed, apparently because they are not accustomed to such an environment. Their primary objective appears to be to escape captivity and go on with their natural way of life.

Habitat

The scaly anteater inhabit areas where termites abound, such as those grown with “inyam” (Antidesma ghaesembilla) and “bangkal” (Nauclea orientalis), woody trees susceptible to termite attack. They are also spotted in forest patches close to open areas.

Distribution

Although the Palawan pangolin is endemic to the province of Palawan, particularly in the mainland and in the islands of Culion and Busuanga north of mainland Palawan, related species are found in the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java, Borneo and other parts of Asia.

Status

I seldom see the anteaters anymore. This may be because these animals are edible, its scales are used for making fancy articles, and some believed its bile could cure asthma. They are endemic to Palawan and are rarely found.