Updates On 19th Nov 2012

Spotlight on: Sunda Pangolin

Last week we shared the rescue story of Little Dumpling the pangolin.Here�s some more information about these unusual mammals.

A pangolin�s body is covered with tough scales made out of keratin- the same stuff our nails and hair are made from. When threatened, pangolins curl up into a ball, with their tough scales forming a protective outer covering.

They eat ants and termites, scooping them up with a long, sticky tongue which can be up to 40cm long! They have long, powerful claws to tear open termite and ant nests.

Mothers carry their babies on their backs, with the babies holding on just above the tail.

Sadly, pangolins are hunted for their meat, and also their scales and other body parts which are used in traditional medicines.

In Singapore, pangolins are found mainly in the Central Catchment Area and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, but we�ve also rescued them from other areas. This photo is of Pip the pangolin being released back to the wild after we rescued her from a car park.

Source: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151155155671523&set=a.223077136522.136042.22159071522&type=1&relevant_count=1

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ACRES

ACRES (Animal Concerns Research & Education Society) is a pioneering Singapore-based charity and Institution of Public Character, founded by Singaporeans in 2001 with the aim of promoting animal welfare.

ACRES has six focus areas: Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, Wildlife Crime Investigation, Zoo Animal Welfare, Humane Education, Community Outreach and Promoting Cruelty-Free Living.

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