The giant pangolin is an extraordinary creature, the largest of the eight species of pangolins found across Asia and Africa. This unique mammal can reach lengths of up to 1.8 meters (nearly 6 feet), most of which is due to its long, tapering tail. The giant pangolin has a distinct appearance that resembles a walking pine cone or artichoke.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the giant pangolin is its diet, which is almost entirely composed of ants and termites. It uses its strong, curved claws to dig into ant nests and termite mounds and then sticks out its long, sticky tongue — which can be as long as its body — to slurp up insects. The pangolin’s tongue is so long it starts deep in its chest cavity, and it is retracted into a sheath when not in use. Despite having no teeth, the giant pangolin’s stomach is specially adapted to grind up its prey, containing small stones that help to pulverize the insects.
Living mostly a solitary life, the giant pangolin is predominantly nocturnal and spends its days curled up in underground burrows or hollows in trees. It is well adapted to its environment; its scales act as armor against predators, and when threatened, it can roll itself into a tight ball, presenting an armored exterior that is difficult for predators like lions to penetrate.
Giant pangolins are found in various parts of West and Central Africa, thriving in forests and savannahs where their food sources are abundant. Despite their size, they are elusive and not often seen, which adds to their mystique. Breeding once a year, the female pangolin gives birth to a single offspring. Interestingly, baby pangolins ride on their mother’s tail or back for several months until they are capable of fending for themselves.
Distribution
Benin
Burkina Faso
Cameroon
Central Af. Rep.
Congo-Brazzaville
Côte D’ivoire
DR Congo (Kinshasa)
Equatorial Guinea
Gabon
Ghana
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea
Kenya
Liberia
Niger
Nigeria
Rwanda
Senegal
Sierra Leone
South Sudan
Tanzania
UgandaRecent Updates
2023: A giant pangolin was sighted in Niokolo-Koba National Park in Senegal, marking the first observation of the species in the area since 1999, when it was believed to have gone extinct locally.
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
