Rare endangered Ant-eater rescued from a Goa River!

A rare endangered Indian Pangolin (a.k.a ant-eater) was spotted floating in a river situated near Rachol, South Goa. The people who saw it immediately contacted Benhail Antao, a wildlife rescuer.

A unique trait about pangolins is that they roll up into a ball which exposes their hard scales and protects their belly and face. Sadly, they are hunted for their scales and meat which has made them one of the most endangered species in the world! The scales are made out of keratin which is usually responsible for making horns, hair, and nails.

They have poor eyesight, but their enhanced sense of smell makes up for this. While eating, pangolins can close their nostrils to prevent ants from crawling inside.

Antao, with the help of the person who spotted the rare animal, pulled it out of the river. The pangolin was then treated with medical care. Also, turmeric powder and coconut oil were applied to its snout before being released.

(Image used for representational purpose only)