Ground Pangolin

activity

Activity patterns. A poorly known species. Solitary, terrestrial, and mostly nocturnal. Activity starts late in the afternoon or at dusk, and the pangolins forage all night, sometimes until morning. During the day, they opportunistically rest in terrestrial shelters, termite mounds, or Aardvark (Orycteropus afer) and spring hare (Pedetes spp.) burrows, preferably connected to ant or termite colonies; they rarely dig their own burrows. Typical burrows have a 20 - 25 cm diameter entrance and 3 - 5 m long horizontal tunnels, c. 1 m below entrance level. The same burrow is occupied several days in a row, and then left for another one. Can walk quadrupedally or bipedally. In quadrupedal walk, feet alternate and tail drags discontinuously on the ground. Bipedal walk is often used when foraging, with tail maintained above the ground for balance and forelegs held in a kangaroo-like carriage. Pelvis is more vertical and tuber coxae more prominent than in other pangolins, allowing regular use of bipedal walk. Sleeps curled up with scales open; when disturbed, scales are pulled down with much force. When walking, reacts to alarming noise by putting head between hindlegs, so to present the dor

Manidae

biology_ecology

Habitat. Various types of woodlands and savannas, often with dense undergrowth (e. g. bushveld and thornbush, in southern Africa). Can also be found in floodplain grassland and farmed areas, except in eastern Africa. May reach elevations up to 1700 m. Range of suitable niche likely conditioned by the abundance of specific groups of termites and ants preyed upon, which may explain its absence in north-eastern and western Africa. Not presentin forested areas of high rainfall, where the Giant Pangolin lives. Often lives near water sources.

Manidae

biology_ecology

Movements, Home range and Social organization. Movements of individuals remain unknown. Marks rocks with urine. Density in Kruger National Park (South Africa) was estimated at 0 - 24 ind / km?.

Manidae

breeding

Breeding. Males have testes in a fold of skin located in the groin (i. e. not descended into a scrotum). Exact breeding season not clearly delimited. Tails of male and female are entwined when copulating. Gestation takes about 130 - 150 days. Fetuses of ¢. 8 g and 110 g were found in pregnant females in May and July, respectively; no pregnant females were observed between December and February. A single young is born per year, although twins have been reported. At birth, measures 15 - 18 cm and weighs 340 - 425 g; eyes are open. From around four weeks, carried clinging to mother’s back or tail (slipping onto her belly when in danger), and can start ingesting living prey. Young is carried until it reaches c. 3 kg. Females mate while nursing young. In captivity, females were seen protecting their offspring through bipedal attack; at rest, young is held close to belly and curled under mother’s tail as a protection.

Manidae