FORMOSAN PANGOLIN
Manis pentadactyla
DESCRIPTION
Formosan Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) is commonly known as the Chinese Pangolin and is characterized by its unique scaly appearance, with overlapping keratin scales covering its body. This nocturnal mammal is known for its solitary behavior, often curling into a ball when threatened, using its tough scales as a defense mechanism. Ecologically, it plays a crucial role in controlling insect populations, primarily feeding on ants and termites, and is found in various habitats across its native range.
FUN FACTS
- Pangolins are the only mammals with scales, which are made of keratin, the same material as human nails
- They are also known for their incredible sense of smell, which they use to locate their prey underground.|Despite their scaly appearance, pangolins are gentle creatures and are often referred to as 'the most trafficked mammal in the world' due to the high demand for their scales in traditional medicine
QUICK INFO
Lifespan10-15 years in the wild, up to 20 in captivity
Average Weight5-10 kg
Average Length0.9-1.2 m
Diet TypeInsectivore
Social Structuresolitary, typically found alone except during mating or a mother with her young
Activity PatternNocturnal
Breeding SeasonYear-round, with peaks in certain regions
- Habitat
- They inhabit a variety of environments, including forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas, often preferring regions with abundant insect populations.
- Biomes
- Tropical Rainforest, Temperate Forest, Grassland
- Native Range
- The native range of the Formosan Pangolin includes parts of East Asia, particularly Taiwan, China, and surrounding regions.
- Continent
- Asia
- Countries
- Taiwan, China, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar
- Diet
- Formosan Pangolins primarily consume ants and termites, using their long, sticky tongues to extract them from nests.
- Diet Type
- Insectivore
- Favorite Food
- ants, termites
- Social Structure
- solitary, typically found alone except during mating or a mother with her young
- Activity Pattern
- Nocturnal
- Group Size
- 1
- Territorial
- 1
5-10 kg
Weight
0.9-1.2 m
Length
- Coloration
- brown to gray with a scaly texture
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years in the wild, up to 20 in captivity
- Gestation Period
- 90-120 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 1
- Sexual Maturity
- 2-3 years
- Breeding Season
- Year-round, with peaks in certain regions
EN
Endangered
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population of Formosan Pangolins is currently declining due to habitat loss and poaching.
- Wild Population Estimate
- Unknown, but significantly decreasing
- Population Trend
- Decreasing
- Endangered
- 1
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction due to deforestation and illegal poaching for their scales and meat, which are highly valued in traditional medicine.
- Conservation Program
- Various conservation efforts are underway, including habitat protection and anti-poaching initiatives.
- Predators
- Large carnivores such as tigers and leopards may prey on young pangolins, while humans are the primary threat.
- Defense Mechanisms
- When threatened, Formosan Pangolins can curl into a tight ball, using their hard scales as armor against predators.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon