noun
Chinese pangolin
Refers specifically to the Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla). In general contexts, センザンコウ without ミミ may be used for pangolins broadly.
ミミセンザンコウは絶滅危惧種に指定されている。
The Chinese pangolin is designated as an endangered species.
センザンコウ is the general term for pangolins, while ミミセンザンコウ specifies the Chinese pangolin species.
Katakana spelling is standard for this animal name; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling is rare and may be unfamiliar to many readers; the katakana form is strongly preferred.
Compound of 耳 (mimi, 'ear') + センザンコウ (senzankō, 'pangolin'). The exact origin of the name is uncertain, but it likely refers to the prominent ears of this species compared to other pangolins.