The pangolin is a species on its own. There is no similar species in the region. It lives in dry woodland savanna areas but also in grassland and semi-dessert areas – areas where there is still some annual rainfall. They do not stay in cold areas as their prey (ants and termites) go deep into the ground when it is too cold.
Pangolins are predominantly nocturnal animals but with some crepuscular (dawn and dusk) activities as well. They will only forage during the day when it is overcast or during severe drought when access to prey is limited.
These secretive creatures sometimes dig their own burrows for homes but will mostly take over burrows dug by other animals such as warthog or aardvark. They can close the burrow from the inside for additional protection as they are solitary animals except when they are mating or the female has young. The babies will cling to the back of the mother at the base of the tail when she is foraging.
They may have more than one burrow in a so-called home range depending on the availability of vegetation.
The pangolin is a very secretive creature and is very rarely seen. A sighting of these is extremely special as they are extremely endangered – mostly due to the belief that their scales have medicinal purposes.
Freedom – Kapama River Lodge
25/04/2013
