Conraad’s Springtime Discovery: A Rare Find
December 8, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Trails Guide Conraad Loubser came across a rare sighting while on trail in Transfrontier’s Tusker Camp. What you see below is a Pangolin. “An African mammal that has a body covered with horny overlapping scales, a small head with elongated snout, a long sticky tongue for catching ants and termites, and a thick, tapering tail. Also called scaly anteater . • Family Manidae and order Pholidota: genera Manis (Asia) and Phataginus (Africa).”
According to the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), there are three types of pangolins in Africa.
“Three types of pangolins exist in Africa—the giant pangolin, the tree pangolin and the most widespread, the ground pangolin. Pangolins have small heads and long, broad tails. They are toothless and have no external ears, although their hearing is good. Their sense of scent is well-developed, but their sight is poor. The weight of the protective keratinous scales and skin make up about 20% of the pangolin’s weight. The animal preens itself by scratching with the hind legs, lifting its scales so the claws can reach the skin. It also uses its tongue to remove insects from under the scales.”
Quick Facts
Scientific Name: Common pangolin (Manis temminckii), giant pangolin (Manis gigantea), tree pangolin (Manis tricuspis)
Size: 27 to 42 inches (common pangolin)
Weight: 30 to 40 pounds (common pangolin)
Lifespan: 20 years
Habitat: Dense forest to forested savannas
Diet: Insectivorous
Gestation: 5 months
Predators: Leopards, hyenas, humans
“Man takes his toll on the pangolin, which is thought to be a purveyor of magic and charms. When mixed with bark from certain trees, the scales are thought to neutralize witchcraft and evil spirits. If buried near a man’s door, they are said to give an interested woman power over him. Sometimes the scales are burned to keep lions and other wild animals away. In some areas pangolins are sacrificed for rainmaking ceremonies, and in others they are hunted for meat.”
Did You Know?
- A pangolin walks a few miles each night, but tends to use the same burrow for many months.
- As pangolins have no teeth, the gizzardlike stomach is specially adapted for grinding food. The process is helped along by the small stones and sand pangolins consume.