Most pangolins are found in Asia, though there are a growing number in Africa, too. Altogether, there are eight species of pangolin, and all of them range from “vulnerable” to “ critically endangered ” status, as ranked by the WWF.
Eight species of pangolins are found on two continents. They range from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered. Four species live in Africa: Black-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tetradactyla), White-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis), Giant Ground pangolin (Smutsia gigantea) and Temminck’s Ground pangolin (Smutsia temminckii).
Three of the four Asian pangolins — the Chinese pangolin ( Manis pentadactyla ), Sunda pangolin ( Manis javanica ), and Philippine pangolin — are critically endangered, while the Indian pangolin ( Manis crassicaudata) is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Their scales are dangerous weapons. If threatened, the pangolin will perform a cutting motion with its scales if anything is inserted between them—that’s a nasty shock for a strange paw or snout! Do pangolins bite? They are so tough that even lions can’t bite through them! To protect themselves, pangolins can roll.
The pangolin, the most trafficked mammal on Earth, is prized for its meat and its unique scales, which are said to have medicinal properties. Peter Knights, CEO of the WildAid charity, said that while China’s ban was welcome, a global effort was required to end the drastic decline in the world’s pangolin populations.
Is the pangolin nocturnal?
They live in hollow trees or burrows, depending on the species. Pangolins are nocturnal, and their diet consists of mainly ants and termites, which they capture using their long tongues. They tend to be solitary animals, meeting only to mate and produce a litter of one to three offspring, which they raise for about two years.
What is a pangolin and why are they trafficked?
The animals are trafficked mainly for their scales, which are believed to treat a variety of health conditions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and as a luxury food in Vietnam and China. In Africa, pangolins are sold as a form of bushmeat, for ritual or spiritual purposes, and use in traditional African medicine.