Manis

Manis is a genus of pangolins in the family Manidae, consisting of several Asian species. Members are small to medium mammals covered in overlapping keratin scales, with a long, narrow snout and a stout tail. The scales provide protection, and many species can roll into a tight ball when threatened. They possess strong forelimbs and claws for digging into ant and termite nests, and a specialized tongue adapted for feeding on social insects.

Geographic range and habitat: Asian pangolins of the genus Manis are native to forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas across South and Southeast Asia, including parts of the Indian subcontinent and southern China. They are typically nocturnal and solitary, avoiding prolonged exposure to predators and human activity.

Diet and biology: Manis species are insectivorous, feeding primarily on ants and termites. They use their elongated tongues, sometimes coated with sticky saliva, to collect prey from nests. Reproduction is slow, with most species giving birth to a single offspring after a gestation period that lasts several months; young are cared for by the mother until weaning.

Conservation and taxonomy: Pangolins are among the most trafficked mammals, and habitat loss compounds their vulnerability. All members of Manis face significant conservation challenges, with several species listed by the IUCN as Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered. Notable species within the genus include the Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata), the Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla), and the Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica). The taxonomy of pangolins has been revised over time, and classifications may vary by source.