Also known as the Malayan pangolin, it is a fascinating mammal native to Southeast Asia, spanning regions from southern Thailand and Myanmar to the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. This creature is distinct from other mammals primarily due to its unique armor of scales. These scales, made of keratin (the same material as human fingernails), cover its entire body except for the face, underbelly, and the inside of its legs, providing a formidable defense mechanism against natural predators.
The Sunda pangolin is not a large animal, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in adaptability. It has no teeth and relies instead on its exceptionally long, sticky tongue to feed on ants and termites. This tongue can be extended a remarkable distance, longer than the length of its own body, to scoop up insects from deep within nests.
What makes the Sunda pangolin particularly interesting is its method of movement. While it can walk on all fours, it frequently adopts a bipedal stance, walking on its hind legs with its forelegs and tail used for balance. This gives it a somewhat comical appearance as it waddles along.
When threatened, the Sunda pangolin employs a defense strategy similar to the Indian pangolin: it curls itself into a tight ball, with its scales acting as an armor shield. This position protects its vulnerable underparts and makes it difficult for predators such as leopards and tigers to get a grip on it.
Unfortunately, like its Indian counterpart, the Sunda pangolin is critically endangered. It is one of the most trafficked mammals in the world, hunted for its scales, falsely believed to have medicinal properties, and its meat considered a delicacy in parts of its range. This has led to drastic declines in its population, making conservation efforts crucial for its survival.
Distribution
Brunei
Cambodia
China
Indonesia
Laos
Malaysia
Official estimate
Myanmar
Singapore
Official estimate
Thailand
Official estimate
Vietnam
Official estimate
Recent Updates
May 2024: The conservation NGO Save Vietnam’s Wildlife uses radio tracking and drones to monitor rehabilitated pangolins, enhancing their understanding of the animals’ survival, behaviors, and habitat needs.
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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
