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Pangolins are one of the most trafficked animals in the world, and yet few know much about them. In fact, I had just recently heard about them through a documentary “The World’s Most Wanted Animal”, and I immediately feel for these little critters and had to know more. (Also I totally recommend watching that documentary, it was very well done.)
There are eight species of Pangolins. Four are native to Africa and four are native to Asia.
White-Bellied Pangolin – Found in West Africa and Central Africa (Current Status: Vulnerable)
Giant Pangolin – Found in West Africa and Central Africa (Current Status: Vulnerable)
Black-Bellied Pangolin – Found in West Africa and Central Africa (Current Status: Vulnerable)
Ground Pangolin – Found in East Africa and Central Africa (Current Status: Vulnerable)
Chinese Pangolin – found in southern China, parts of Southeast Asia, and into India, Bangladesh, and Nepal (Current Status: Critically Endangered)
Sunda Pangolin – found in Southeast Asia (Current Status: Critically Endangered)
Philippine Pangolin – Found in the Philippines (Current Status: Endangered)
Indian Pangolin – Found in India (Current Status: Endangered)
Though their scales make them look almost like a reptile, they are actually a mammal! Many have compared them to an anteater with their long tongues and love for ants. Others say their ability to roll into a ball makes them related to armadillos. And yet they are more closely related to… the Carnivora family! Carnivora is the order of eutherian mammals that includes dogs, cats, raccoons, bears, weasels, hyaenas, seals, and walruses.
Most Pangolins are nocturnal, meaning they come out of their homes at night to look for food and stretch their legs.
One of the most dominant physical features are those intricate, powerful scales. These scales make up for about 20% of their total weight and are made of keratin, which is the same thing our hair and fingernails are made from.
Pangolins use their unique scales as a form of protection against three main predators; leopards (and other large cats), hyenas, and humans. When they feel threatened they will curl into a ball protecting their soft underbellies. This technique is nearly impenetrable against other animals.
There are tree pangolins and ground pangolins. The biggest difference is their claws. Tree pangolins have long claws on their front and back feet to give them support with then are climbing, hanging from branches and looking for food. (Tree pangolins also have longer tails, they use for support as well.)
On the other hand, pangolins that live on the ground have long front claws and padded back feet. They walk on their back legs with their front legs in the air, almost like a T-Rex! Once they smell food or want to burrow into the ground, they will use their long front claws to dig.
All pangolins are insectivores, which means they eat only insects. One pangolin can eat up to 20,000 ants/bugs in a day! They have a keen sense of smell and will wander around until they pick up a scent for a snack, then it is time to feast. They use their long sticky tongues to capture ants, termites, and other small bugs.
Pangolins don’t have teeth, so to help break down foods, they will swallow small pebbles, dirt, and sand. This grinds and helps mash food in their stomach to move along their digestive process.
Female pangolins can start having babies when they are 2 years old. They have one baby at a time and it takes five months for the baby to develop. Baby pangolins are called pangopups. When they are born their scales are pink and soft and will start to harden the very next day. To get around, pangopups will ride on their mother’s tail and when there is a nearby danger, the mother will wrap herself around her baby like a shield.
Pangolins are known as the guardians. They protect forests and desert lands from overpopulation of insects, maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
Pangolins need our help to fight against poachers and illegal smuggling. There are groups working to saving this endangered species every day but you can help too! Share this post, inform others about these amazing animals. When you purchase the Ground Pangolin print, 50% is donated towards helping this endangered species.
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