A pangolin is a mammal, also known as a scaly anteater. Pangolins have large keratin scales covering their skin and are the only mammals to have this characteristic. They are found in tropical regions of Africa and Asia. Nocturnal animals, they use their well-developed sense of smell to find insects and spend most of the day sleeping, curled up in a ball. The exception is the long-tailed pangolin, which is also active by day.