a mammal of the order Pholidota.The one extant family,Manidae,has one genus,Manis,which comprises eight species.A number of extinct species are also known.A pangolin has large keratin scales covering its skin,and is the only known mammal with this adaptation.It is found naturally in tropical regions throughout Africa and Asia.
The giant pangolin is the largest of all pangolin species.While its average mass has not been measured,one specimen was found to weigh 33 kg (72.6 lb).Males are larger than females,with male body lengths about 140 cm (4.6 ft) and females about 125 cm (4.1 ft).