IELTS Reading Practice Test #26

The pangolin is a nocturnal, insect-eating mammal best known for its protective keratin scales, which cover most of its body like armor, and for being used as the scapegoat in one of the biggest government scandals in human history. Native to parts of Asia and Africa, pangolins are the only mammals entirely covered in scales. There are eight species in total: four in Asia and four in Africa. Depending on the species, pangolins range in size from 30 centimeters to over a meter in length. Their scales, made of the same material as human fingernails, overlap like tiles and provide defense against predators. When threatened, a pangolin will curl up into a tight ball, making use of its armored exterior.

Pangolins have long, sticky tongues that can extend farther than the length of their head and body combined. These specialized tongues allow them to extract ants and termites from deep inside nests and tunnels. Pangolins lack teeth entirely, so they grind their food with the help of a muscular stomach that contains small stones or sand—functioning similarly to a bird’s gizzard. Their strong claws are used for digging into insect nests and for climbing trees. Most pangolins are solitary and shy, and they tend to be highly secretive in the wild, which makes population surveys and conservation assessments difficult.

Different pangolin species occupy different types of habitats. The African white-bellied pangolin prefers tropical forests and often climbs trees, while the Indian pangolin is more adapted to drier, open areas such as grasslands and scrub. Despite their geographic and ecological diversity, all pangolin species face serious threats from humans. Pangolins are hunted extensively for their meat and scales, which are falsely believed to have medicinal value in some traditional practices. They are among the most heavily trafficked mammals in the world, with illegal shipments regularly intercepted across Asia and Africa. Their scales are often dried, ground into powder, and sold in markets or used in tonics, despite there being no scientific evidence supporting health claims.

Because of the pangolin’s elusive nature, accurate population data is hard to obtain. However, it is widely acknowledged that their numbers have plummeted over the past few decades. Conservationists believe that millions may have been lost to poaching. All eight species of pangolin are listed under CITES Appendix I, which bans all international trade. Additionally, most range countries have enacted national laws to protect pangolins, but enforcement is often inconsistent. Community engagement has become increasingly important, with local education programs and anti-poaching patrols helping to improve awareness and reduce illegal hunting.

In recent years, captive breeding programs have been attempted, but pangolins do not adapt well to artificial environments. Their highly specific diet, solitary habits, and stress sensitivity make them difficult to maintain in zoos or breeding centers. Nonetheless, several rehabilitation centers in Africa and Southeast Asia have successfully rescued and released injured or confiscated pangolins. These programs emphasize quick reintroduction to the wild to minimize stress. Technological advances, such as GPS tracking, are now used to monitor re-released individuals and gain insight into their movement patterns and habitat use.

The global conservation status of pangolins ranges from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered depending on the species. While awareness of their plight has grown, illegal trade continues to outpace enforcement efforts. Conservationists stress that without a combined approach involving stricter regulation, community engagement, habitat protection, and international cooperation, pangolins could face extinction in the near future.