What is a Pangolin?
Pangolins are the most trafficked animal in the world, according to the World Wildlife Fund. They’re also the only mammals that are entirely covered in scales which they use as protection in the wild. Their scales are rumoured to be bulletproof, but this has been proven false. When a pangolin gets scared, it curls up into a tight ball with its face and legs tucked in. This is why they’re called pangolins, a name that comes from the Malay word for “roller”.
Pangolins are sometimes referred to as scaly anteaters because their preferred diet is ants. They walk on two legs using their tails for balance, or they walk on all four of their legs. When they run, they can reach a speed of 5 kilometres per hour. Their lifespan in captivity is up to 20 years but their lifespan in the wild is unknown.
Where do Pangolins live?
There are eight species of pangolin which live in eight countries: four in Asia and four in Sub-Saharan Africa. They prefer to live in sandy soils within reach of water, often in woodlands and savannas.
The four species that can be found in Africa are:
- Black-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tetradactyla)
- White-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis)
- Giant Ground pangolin (Smutsia gigantea)
- Temminck’s Ground pangolin (Smutsia temminckii)
The four species that can be found in Asia are:
- Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata)
- Philippine pangolin (Manis culionensis)
- Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica)
- Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla)
Did you know Pangolins are critically endangered?
Read more about Pangolin’s protection status and how you can help here.
The 4 best places to see Pangolins in the wild in Africa.
South Africa, Northern Cape – Tswalu, Kalahari Reserve
Tswalu Kalahari Reserve is privately owned and 111 000 hectares large. Their pangolins are currently being studied by two researchers as a means of conservation. The research covers how pangolins are dispersed in the reserve as well as the direct and indirect effects of climate change on pangolins.
South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal – Phinda Private Game Reserve
Conservation experiences at Phinda allow visitors to participate in a pioneering pangolin initiative with privately guided pangolin research and monitoring tours. Their current groundbreaking initiative is to re-establish Temminck’s ground pangolin in a region where they have been locally extinct for decades.
Namibia – Okonjima Nature Reserve
Okonjima is home to the AfriCat Foundation which has been working for 30 years to eliminate human-wildlife conflict. Because of this, there is always research being conducted in the reserve that covers leopard, hyena, rhino, and pangolin, among other wildlife.
Kenya – Sala’s Camp
The Pangolin Project is currently in residence at Sala’s Camp. They’re carrying out primary research alongside raising awareness among local rangers and communities to help stop poaching. There have been more pangolin sightings by guests at Sala’s Camp than anywhere else in Kenya.
–
Have you ever seen a pangolin? We sell them in our store – not real ones obviously!
Our Pangolin Stud Earrings by Kreet are a celebration of these charismatic, endangered creatures.
