Did you know that baby pangolins have a special name? They’re called pangopups! These little ones are born tiny, about the size of your hand, with soft, pale scales that harden after a few days. For their first few months, they ride around on their mum’s tail, learning how to navigate the world. Pangopups drink their mother’s milk and start munching on insects at about one month old. Isn’t that adorable?
Pangolins have homes that match their lifestyles. Some, like the white-bellied pangolin, live in trees. They use their prehensile tails to hang from branches and sleep in tree hollows during the day. Others, like Temminck’s pangolins, prefer life on the ground. They dig burrows or use abandoned ones, often walking on their hind legs while their front claws are ready for action. Whether climbing or burrowing, pangolins are perfectly adapted to their habitats.
Pangolins have a unique way of protecting themselves — by releasing a stinky smell! This foul odour comes from special glands near their tails, and it’s enough to scare off predators. Combine that with their ability to roll into a ball, and you’ve got one of the most well-defended animals on the planet.
Pangolins are sometimes called “walking pinecones” because of their scaly appearance. Their scales, made of keratin (the same material as your fingernails), act like armour. When scared, pangolins roll into a tight ball, hiding their soft, vulnerable parts. Even big predators like lions struggle to get past their tough exterior. The word “pangolin” comes from the Malay word penggulung, meaning “to roll up.”
Pangolins are incredible insect eaters! They have long, sticky tongues that can stretch as long as their body to slurp up ants and termites. With no teeth, pangolins swallow their food whole and use special spines and stones in their stomach to grind it up. They can eat up to 23,000 insects a day, making them true insect-eating pros.
Pangolins aren’t just cool – they’re helpful too! By eating pesky insects like termites, they help farmers protect their crops. Their digging also aerates the soil, making it healthier for plants to grow. Pangolins are nature’s little helpers, keeping ecosystems balanced and farms thriving.
Pangolins can be found across Africa in a variety of habitats. Temminck’s pangolins roam savannas and floodplains, while white-bellied pangolins swing through tropical forests. These two species are just part of the pangolin family, which also includes species from Asia. Whether in trees or on the ground, pangolins have made Africa their home.
Sadly, pangolins are in trouble. These unique creatures are the most trafficked mammals in the world. Many are taken from the wild for their scales, which some people mistakenly believe have medicinal value. Habitat loss, pesticides, and even car accidents also threaten their survival. With one pangolin captured every five minutes, their populations are shrinking fast.
Enjoying learning about pangolins? We have more pangolin facts for you here.
Did you know that pangolins are the most trafficked mammal in the world and are endangered as a species?
Conservation organisations like the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) work tirelessly to protect pangolins, support research, and fight poaching.
Want to help protect these magnificent animals? You can adopt a pangolin, from as little as £3, and contribute to their conservation! Your support will help organisations like DSWF continue their work to ensure a future for pangolins. Visit our Adopt a Pangolin page to learn how you can make a difference!
