Nature Nugget – Armored Mammals

Pangolins or Scaly Anteaters are native to forested parts of Africa and Asia. There are seven species, four in Africa and three in Asia, which range in length from three to six feet. They are covered with protective, horny, overlapping scales. When danger threatens, pangolins are able to roll into a ball to defend themselves. The cutting action of their armor-plated scales, worked by powerful muscles, also protects them by inflicting serious wounds on anything inserted between them. In addition, they have well-developed, anal, scent glands that emit strong, foul-smelling secretions.

Pangolins have small heads and long, broad tails. They are toothless and have no external ears, although their hearing is good. Their sight is poor, but their sense of smell is well developed. Pangolins are nocturnal, remaining in their burrows or tree cavities during the day. They are insectivores, preferring to feed on termites and ants, which they find by digging into the victims’ nests with their clawed forefeet. They then use their extremely long tongues (up to 16 inches) to lap them up. Large salivary glands coat the tongue with a gummy mucus to which the insects stick. Pangolins have no teeth. Their gizzard-like stomach is specially designed for grinding food. The small stones and sand they consume while feeding help this process along.

Another family of armor-encased mammals, the armadillos, is found in the New World from Kansas in the United States to Patagonia in South America. There are around 20 species of these nocturnal, burrowing insectivores. A patterned, hornlike armor composed of bony plates covers the upper and side surfaces of their bodies and parts of the legs and undersides. If attacked by a predator, armadillos draw in their feet and noses, and some species roll into a ball.

Although nearly blind, armadillos have excellent senses of smell and hearing. They feed by smelling food up to eight inches below the surface and digging it out. The menu varies depending on the species. Some prefer ants and termites; others prefer beetles, larvae, caterpillars, grasshoppers, worms, or even snakes or carrion. Others are even believed to be vegetarians. Armadillos are the only animals that can transmit the disease leprosy. Due to poor blood circulation in their limbs, the temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit on the surface of their paws seems to be ideal for the growth of Mycobacterium leprae, which is transmitted when a captured animal defends itself with its sharp claws.

The Bible speaks of Christians putting on armor: “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints . . . .” Ephesians 6:11–18. “If we have on the heavenly armor, we shall find that the assaults of the enemy will not have power over us. Angels of God will be round about us to protect us.” Review and Herald, May 25, 1905.

David Arbour writes from his home in DeQueen, Arkansas. He may be contacted by e-mail at: landmarks@stepstolife.org.