Pangolin

Presentation

Pangolin is a mammal covered in keratinized scales, unique in its kind among current mammals. There are eight species distributed between Africa and Asia, living both on the ground and in trees depending on the species. A nocturnal and discreet animal, it feeds almost exclusively on ants and termites which it captures using a very long and sticky tongue. The Pangolin is today the mammal most heavily trafficked in illegal wildlife, due to the demand for its scales and meat. Its particular morphology and its defensive behavior, which consists of rolling up into a ball, make it easily identifiable.

Pangolin's body is covered in interlocking scales composed of keratin, forming a protective armor unique among mammals. It has a long prehensile tail in certain arboreal species, small clawed legs adapted to burrowing, and a thin head devoid of teeth. Its tongue can measure a length close to that of its body and retracts into an internal pocket. His eyesight is weak but his sense of smell is very developed.

Characteristics

Indicative values: they vary by subspecies, sex and region.

Habitat and distribution

Depending on the species, Pangolin frequents dense tropical forests, wooded savannahs or shrub-steppe areas. Arboreal species live in the canopy while terrestrial species dig burrows in the ground. It favors areas with abundant access to ant and termite colonies.

Behaviour

The Pangolin is a solitary and mainly nocturnal animal. Depending on the species, it is terrestrial and digs burrows, or arboreal and moves in the canopy using its prehensile tail. When faced with a threat, it rolls up into a compact ball, its sharp scales offering effective protection against most predators. It communicates little and sometimes marks its territory with odorous secretions.

Reproduction

The female generally gives birth to a single young after a gestation of several months, the duration of which varies depending on the species. The newborn is born with soft scales which gradually harden over a few days. It remains dependent on its mother for several months, often clinging to the base of its tail when moving. Sexual maturity is reached around the age of two.

Peculiarities

Pangolin is the only mammal in the world completely covered in keratin scales. It also represents the most poached and illegally trafficked mammal worldwide. Its ability to completely curl into an impenetrable ball is a remarkable defensive adaptation.

Threats and conservation

The Pangolin is extremely threatened by poaching for the illegal trade of its scales, used in certain traditional Asian medicines, as well as by the consumption of its meat considered a luxury delicacy. Deforestation is also reducing its natural habitat. Several species are classified as critically endangered by the IUCN.

References

Profile updated 14 August 2026 · Reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team.

CONSERVATION STATUS

Endangered (EN)

IUCN source, latest published assessment.

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