Philippine pangolin  The Philippine pangolin or Palawan pangolin ("Manis culionensis"), also locally known as balintong, is a pangolin species endemic to the Palawan province of the Philippines. Its habitat includes primary and secondary forests, as well as surrounding grasslands. This species is moderately common within its limited range, but is at risk due to heavy hunting because of its valued scales and meat. This species is distinguished from the closely related Sunda pangolin by its smaller body-to-tail ratio, smaller scales, and a shorter head. It is listed as "Critically Endangered" by the IUCN, and "Critically Endangered" by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD). The species was first described by Casto de Elera in 1885; it was also mentioned by de Elera in an 1895 work. In the past, this species has been included with the Sunda pangolin, "Manis javanica", but has been considered a distinct species since 1998. Five distinct morphological characteristics involving the skull and the scales have been identified which separate it from the closely related "M. javanica". Both "M. javanica" and "M. culionensis" are grouped in subgenus "Paramanis". Genetic isolation leading to the speciation between these species is hypothesized to have been caused by rising sea levels severing a land bridge from Borneo in the Early Pleistocene. The generic name "Manis" is from the Greek chthonic deity Manes, while the specific name "culionensis" refers to the island of Culion in Palawan. The local name "balintong" (also "halintong" or "malintong") means "one who rolls over" or "one who somersaults" in the Visayan Cuyonon language. Other names in Cuyonon include "balekon" or "balikon" and "goling", with the same meaning. In the Palawan language, it is also known as "tanggiling" (also spelled "tangiling"), also with the same meaning. The Philippine pangolin is roughly long, plus a tail. It weighs . Philippine pangolins in captivity can live up to approximately 20 years. It is covered in small triangular scales made of keratin everywhere except the underbelly and face, making up at least 20% of the body weight.