Pholidota (Pangolins)

This chapter describes three genera, including Manis (M. crassicaudata [Indian pangolin], M. pentadactyla [Chinese pangolin], M. javanica [Sunda pangolin], M. culionensis [Philippine pangolin]), Phataginus (P. tetradactyla [Long-tailed pangolin], P. tricuspis [white-bellied pangolin]), and Smutsia (S. gigantea [giant pangolin], S. temmincki [Temminck's pangolin]). Pangolins can also be differentiated by their distribution; the Asian pangolins include M. crassicaudata, M. pentadactyla, M. javanica, M. culionensis, and the African pangolins include P. tetradactyla, P. tricuspis, S. gigantea, and S. temmincki. Pangolins are not commonly found in zoos and veterinary knowledge remains limited, but has increased in recent years. Illegal wildlife trafficking has caused dramatic decreases in wild populations, resulting in increased pangolin rehabilitation and breeding programs to aid conservation efforts. Inhalant anesthesia or behavioral training are options for imaging, depending on the focus. The thoracic limb digits are similar to other digging, myrmecophagic species.