Hangin' with a Pangolin

A rare and up-close encounter with one of Africa’s most unusual and elusive animals stunned staff and expedition members alike on Karongwe PGR at the end of last month (March). Had the sighting been announced over the reserve’s radio channels merely a few days later it is unlikely anyone would have believed it. But this was no April fool’s hoax; not only was the creature seen, uncharacteristically, during daylight hours and right out in the open, but the quirky individual approached remarkably close to onlookers, allowing unprecedented photographic opportunities given the species’ reputation. 

The relaxed demeanour of the Pangolin offered us fantastic photographic opportunities

Pangolins are renowned for their inconspicuous traits, being highly nomadic, solitary, nocturnal and secretive, hiding underground much of their lives. Field guides can go years without laying eyes upon one, and yet Karongwe research team members were fortunate enough to encounter this individual twice in the space of three days. 

Jamie with the very relaxed Pangolin

The more extensive sighting of the two spanned an incredible 45 minutes of various Pangolin behaviors. The pangolin was completely relaxed throughout, even lying down to rest on its side at regular intervals between bouts of intense foraging activity. Much time was spent digging for ants with its powerful claws, once suitable sites had been located using its highly keen sense of smell. Eyes, ears and nose shut to prevent soil particles entering, the head would then be inserted into the ground and the long sticky tongue deployed to lap up ant eggs, larvae and adults. Interestingly, Pangolins’ tongues are rooted in the pelvic region meaning that its total length exceeds that of the head and body put together (50cm plus).

Testament to the management of both sightings, the one behavior not observed was rolling up into a ball – the trait by which Pangolins are named and famed for, being the Malay derivative for “something which rolls up”. The Pangolin family (Manidae) comprises 8 closely related species distributed mainly across Africa and Asia, including some prehensile tailed tree-climbing and swimming adept species, however only one species is found in Southern Africa – the Cape or Ground Pangolin. They superficially resemble Armadillos (Order: Xenarthra) due to their shared possession of defensive back scales or plates, however Pangolins are in fact much more closely related to Anteaters and Sloths. Furthermore, Armadillos are not as good at rolling up into a protective ball as Pangolins because their backbones are specially reinforced, although this in itself is another defense mechanism. 

Note the typical stride of a Pangolin - walking only on its hind legs

Unfortunately as miraculously as this fascinating creature first appeared, it is has now vanished without a trace. Every week or so Pangolins are known to move to a new den site within their territory range, allowing ants (and to a lesser extent termites) to recover from foraging pressures. When relocating den sites pangolins tend to move as far away as possible within their territory range, feeding as they move, and may travel up to an impressive 6km, for such a small animal, in a single night’s forays. So it’s anyone’s guess when and where we might be fortunate enough to be seeing one again…

Jamie Sangster

Research Assistant and Conservation Officer

GVI Karongwe

Hangin' with a Pangolin