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Like searching for diamonds amongst coal, finding a pangolin in the African bush is nothing short of extraordinary, as are they. A once-in-a-lifetime sighting for most, these quirky, scaled, ant-eaters epitomise the necessity for conservation. They remain one of the least studied and most trafficked animals across the globe, making it no less than an absolute privilege (and delight) to be in their presence. With every bi-pedal step an individual under the watchful eye of onlookers takes, a critical piece of an unknown puzzle is systematically added to a slowly-evolving bigger picture of what makes these compelling critters so special.
Explore the unique world of Phinda’s pangolins with &Beyond, where luxury meets conservation. Witness these elusive creatures firsthand on guided pangolin tracking adventures. Contribute to pangolin conservation efforts through responsible tourism and support our mission to protect these enigmatic animals. Experience the thrill of rare pangolin sightings and create unforgettable memories.
Filmmaker Will Clothier worked with the Phinda habitat team as a volunteer during which time he was tasked with caring for a tiny little rescued pangolin called Ramfy. On return to Phinda some time later, the narrative of this happy little story took a turn for the dramatic. But there is always hope when we give nature a chance.
Nature Through a New Lens (On the Edge) is a collaboration with Wildscreen that showcases a new wave of filmmakers bringing their wildly unique approach to conservation stories.
A network of pangolin
Made from keratin, these scales overlap to form an armour-like cover over the top half on the pangolin, creating a tough defensive layer against predators once the pangolin rolls itself into a tight ball.
Sometimes up to 40 cm long, a pangolin’s tongue is covered in sticky saliva allowing them to reach deep into ant nests and termite mounds and to collect as many insects as they can fit into their tiny mouths at once.
Although a pangolin’s eyesight is not the best, nor their hearing, they do have a phenomenal sense of smell that lets them find ants and termites buried deep below the ground.
They also have specialised muscles that can close up the ears and nostrils to prevent ants and termites from crawling inside while they are feeding.
Pangolins have long, sharp claws on their front feet and paired with their surprising strength are able to crack open termite mounds and lick up the tasty morsels that lie within the tunnels.
But because these claws are so large, these scaly creatures have no option except to walk on two legs, making them appear even more bizarre than one could have imagined.
Pangolins are generally solitary animals, preferring to stay in their burrows during the day and venturing out to forage in the early evenings and well into the night. They occasionally come into contact with one another, particularly when they are searching for a mate.
Covered in an armour of scales as their main defence, pangolins will use its incredible core strength to curl up into a ball when threatened and use the knife-sharp scales at the end of their semi-prehensile tail to scythe their predators in an attempt to scratch or cut the nose of an adventurous young lion.
Sometimes they will lie flat, appearing to mimic termite mounds or logs in an attempt to go unnoticed by-passing threats. Pangolins will often use their environment to their advantage, rolling in anything with a pungent smell, such as rhino or elephant dung, helping to mask their own scent from potential threats.
These animals are myrmecophagous, meaning they only feed on ants and termites. The ratio of ants to termites varies with the seasons as well as the area the pangolin inhabits, but they are known to be quite particular about the species they prefer, using their long, sticky tongue to fish them and their larvae out of their nests.
Being a non-vocal species, pangolins generally use a series of soft sounds often referred to as snorts or chuffs that they use to communicate with one another. They also rely on scent marking their burrows and their separate territories as another way to “talk” to each other.
Pangolins are mostly solitary animals, with one animal seldom being seen with another. Mainly interacting with one another when looking for a mate or raising their young.
A pangolins territory can vary in size with several females’ territory often overlapping with each other as well as a single male.
They will scent mark their burrows as well as the surrounding area using scent glands under their tails as well as urine and feces, although seldom taking part in combat should they stumble upon one another.
A female pangolin will normally give birth to one pup at a time. They are born with soft scales in the safety of their parent’s burrow.
They will remain with mum for about a year, staying in the burrow for the first days and eventually catching a ride on mum’s back while she is out foraging until they can forage on their own.
“I think that if such a special creature like a pangolin is lost, it symbolises the way we treat everything.”Nicci Wright