What is it?

The pangolin is a strange, scaly mammal that belongs to the order Pholidota. This is only interesting because pangolins are the only animals in the whole order! There are eight species of pangolin still extant. In Africa we find four of these and the rest are found in Asia.

A pangolin’s body is covered in keratin scales that look and feel like very thick finger nails. The scales are razor sharp on the end and deter potential predators who risk serious injury if their digits or lips are trapped between them. When threatened, a pangolin curls up into a tight and impenetrable ball that is a highly effective defence against just about everything except armed humans.

In southern Africa, the Cape or ground pangolin, the focus of this article, is the only species that occurs. It is notoriously difficult to see and photograph. These pangolins can weigh up to 18 kilograms but of this, 20% is made up of their keratinous armour. Pangolins can reportedly live to 20 years, which is impressive for a little mammal.

What does it do?

Ground pangolins almost always do their stuff at night. What they do at night is not particularly well understood because they are so secretive.

We do know that pangolins like to eat ants and termites mainly and this they do with great efficiency. They have extremely long front claws which they use to dig their prey out of rock hard mounds and nests. Then, rather like other ant or termite eating mammals, they use an exceptionally long tongue to probe the tunnels of the hapless colony they happen to be raiding. Apparently this remarkable tongue can reach up to 40 centimetres from the mouth. It folds neatly into a pocket when not supping on ants.

Pangolins live in burrows which they may or may not dig themselves. They seem to prefer living in readymade holes dug by aardvark in the sides of termite mounds. They also spend time simply resting in thick vegetation which doesn’t make finding them any easier.

Pangolins produce one young at a time. These pangolings are soft and white, weighing only 340g at birth. Within two days, their scales start hardening in the burrow and they are allowed out at one month.

Where are they found?

The ground or Cape pangolin is found in southern and eat Africa, preferring savannah woodland as its habitat. Ruckomechi Camp in Zimbabwe has had five sightings of this amazing animal this year (click here for more).

The tree pangolin lives in west Africa. Unsurprisingly it likes to climb but will often feed on the ground. The long-tailed pangolin, also from west Africa, is almost completely arboreal. These two species live in rain forests.

The last of the African species, the giant pangolin lives in east Africa and can live in forest, savannah or woodland habitats.

The other four varieties live in various parts of Asia.

What else should I know?

Pangolins are used medicinally and for food by a number of people in Africa and Asia. The ground pangolin is not as threatened as some of the other species because it tends to be much harder to find. Many of the Asian populations are threatened by illegal meat trade and medicine in China predominantly.

In Africa, all pangolin species face dangers from the bush meat trade and some unsustainable traditional medicine practices.

The next time you’re in the bush…

A pangolin is one of the most sought after animals for seasoned safari goers and guides. Unfortunately it is so difficult to see that when travellers ask their guides to find one, they never actually expect to see it. The next time you find yourself in the wilds of Africa, keep a look out for this mysterious, dark brown, scaly anteater. If you find one, it will be the most rewarding moment of your journey.