PANGOLIN
DESCRIPTION
Pangolins are unique mammals known for their protective keratin scales covering their bodies. They are often referred to as 'scaly anteaters' due to their diet and appearance.
FUN FACTS
- Pangolins are the only mammals with scales | They can consume up to 70 million insects in a year | Pangolins are often hunted for their scales, which are used in traditional medicine
QUICK INFO
Lifespan10-20 years in the wild, up to 30 in captivity
Average Weight5-15 kg
Average Length0.6-1.2 m
Diet TypeInsectivore
Social Structuresolitary, typically live alone except during mating
Activity PatternNocturnal
Breeding SeasonYear-round, depending on species and location
- Habitat
- Pangolins inhabit a variety of environments, including forests, grasslands, and savannas. They prefer areas with abundant insect populations.
- Biomes
- Tropical Rainforest, Savanna, Grassland
- Native Range
- Pangolins are found across Africa and Asia, with different species inhabiting specific regions.
- Continent
- Africa, Asia
- Countries
- India, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Africa
- Diet
- Pangolins primarily feed on ants and termites, using their long, sticky tongues to extract them from nests. They have no teeth and rely on their stomachs to grind food.
- Diet Type
- Insectivore
- Favorite Food
- ants, termites
- Social Structure
- solitary, typically live alone except during mating
- Activity Pattern
- Nocturnal
- Group Size
- 1
- Territorial
- 0
5-15 kg
Weight
0.6-1.2 m
Length
- Coloration
- brown to gray scales with a lighter underbelly
- Lifespan
- 10-20 years in the wild, up to 30 in captivity
- Gestation Period
- 90-120 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 1
- Sexual Maturity
- 2-3 years
- Breeding Season
- Year-round, depending on species and location
EN
Endangered
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- Pangolin populations are declining due to poaching and habitat loss.
- Wild Population Estimate
- unknown
- Population Trend
- Decreasing
- Endangered
- 1
- Threats
- The main threats to pangolins include illegal wildlife trade for their scales and meat, as well as habitat destruction.
- Predators
- large carnivores, humans
- Defense Mechanisms
- Pangolins can curl into a tight ball, using their scales as armor against predators.
- Found in Zoos
- Rare