Ants attacking the heads of pangolins are foiled by the tough skin. The nostrils and ear openings can be closed, and the thick lids protect the eyes. Ants that reach the scales can be shaken off. Because pangolins have no teeth, ants and termites enter the stomach uncrushed and must be mechanically ground there. For this purpose the stomach of Manis has thick muscular walls, a horny laminated epithelium instead of an internal mucus membrane, and tiny pebbles.
Pangolins drink by rapidly darting out their tongue.
Adult pangolins are solitary or sometimes associate in pairs. Newborn weigh about 200-500 grams, and their scales do not harden until the second day of life. The young ride on the back or tail of the mother by clinging tightly. When alarmed, the mother cuddles its offspring inside its rolled-up body. Pangolins are sought for their meat, which is a favorite food of indigenous people, and for their skins and scales, which are involved in international trade.