pangolin

the remarkable world of pangolins

pangolins are remarkable creatures, each with their own unique characteristics. with eight different species across asia and africa, these mammals are the only ones to have scales made of keratin, the same material found in human nails. while their hard, overlapping scales protect their bodies, their underbellies, faces, and limbs remain unarmoured.

these creatures have adapted perfectly to their environments. pangolins that live in trees, like the phataginus species, boast curved claws and a prehensile tail to help them grip branches and climb. those on the ground, such as the smutsia species, have shorter, stronger claws for digging and burrowing.

mostly solitary and active at night, pangolins can occasionally be seen during the day, especially in colder months when they’re more likely to venture out. young pangolins are even more prone to daytime activity as they learn to navigate the world around them.

mysterious and elusive, pangolins are truly one of nature's most fascinating creatures, and each species brings its own set of unique traits to the wild.

pangolins are strictly myrmecophagous, meaning they feast exclusively on ants and termites. While the exact ratio of ants to termites varies by season and location, approximately 90–95% of their diet consists of ants, with termites making up the remaining 5–10%. Although some species in asia might consume other insects, there isn't enough research to confirm this. In a single year, a pangolin can devour millions—if not billions—of ants, termites, and their larvae. Their long, thin tongue, which can extend to the length of their body, is covered in sticky saliva, enabling them to easily capture their prey. The tongue is housed in a unique sheath called the xiphisternum, which runs from the abdominal wall to the pelvic region, curling forward and ending in a blind sac near the diaphragm.

  • pangolins are territorial creatures, with territories typically shared by a male, a female, and the offspring from the previous year. The boundaries of these territories are likely marked by scent, and while overlapping areas exist, they are usually minimal. Males seldom engage in direct combat, but when they do, they rise on their hind legs and use their sharp front claws to slash at one another. In some cases, the larger pangolin will attempt to coil around its smaller opponent to constrict it.

  • pangolins are mostly silent creatures. The sound of their scales rubbing against each other or vegetation is the most common noise when they move. They may snort or make soft chuffing sounds while eating or waking. Occasionally, males emit a gentle hooting noise.

    these fascinating creatures are also long-lived, with some believed to live up to 20 years in the wild. In captivity, however, pangolins do not fare well, and very few live long in zoos. The oldest recorded pangolin lived over 19 years in captivity, but this is an exception. As a result, pangolins are rarely found in zoos or captivity worldwide.

females give birth to a single pup each year, though twins are a rare occurrence. Their gestation period remains uncertain, with estimates ranging from 3 to 10 months, though some species like the tree pangolins likely have a gestation period of about three months. In some cases, pangolins are able to self-implant if environmental conditions are favorable. Ground pangolins may breed only every other year. When born, the pups are covered in soft scales that harden after a few days. The mother will leave her young in a burrow or a hollow tree, returning periodically to nurse. By one month old, the pup begins to follow the mother while she forages, clinging to her tail for support. As the pup matures, it alternates between riding on her back and foraging on its own. By the time the pup is 3–4 months old, it becomes independent but stays within its home range until about one year old.