The Sunda pangolin, also known as the Malayan or Javan pangolin, is a species of pangolin. This species, like all others, of pangolin are included in the manidae family. They get their name from the Malay name, "pëngulin" which means "roller". There are eight species of pangolin today.
Sunda pangolin
Sunda Pangolin climbing a palm tree
Pangolins, sometimes known as scaly anteaters, are mammals of the order Pholidota. The one extant family, the Manidae, has three genera: Manis, Phataginus, and Smutsia. Manis comprises four species found in Asia, while Phataginus and Smutsia include two species each, all found in sub-Saharan Africa. These species range in size from 30 to 100 cm. A number of extinct pangolin species are also known. In September 2023, nine species were reported.
Pangolin
Pangolin skeletons at the Museum of Osteology (2009)
Schematic drawing of pangolin scale histology
Ground pangolin in defensive posture