Pangolins are distinguished by their full covering of scales, a feature unique among mammals. These solitary and primarily nocturnal animals are facing considerable pressures that threaten their continued existence. The specific environments they inhabit are closely tied to their ability to survive, as their homes provide both nourishment and safety.
Geographic Range of Pangolin Species
Pangolins are found exclusively across two continents: Africa and Asia, with four distinct species on each. The Asian species are distributed from Pakistan, through countries like Nepal, and across Southeast Asia.
- Chinese pangolin
- Indian pangolin
- Sunda pangolin
- Palawan pangolin
The four African species reside in a wide band of sub-Saharan Africa. For instance, the white-bellied pangolin is found in the forested regions of Central and West Africa, while the Cape pangolin is the only species native to southern Africa. The ranges of some species, such as the white-bellied and black-bellied pangolins, can overlap.
- Giant ground pangolin
- Ground pangolin
- White-bellied pangolin
- Black-bellied pangolin
Essential Habitat Characteristics
The survival of pangolins depends on ecosystems that meet specific requirements. They inhabit a variety of environments, including tropical forests, savanna grasslands, and woodlands. Regardless of the type of ecosystem, two features are necessary: an abundant supply of ants and termites and adequate cover for shelter. A single pangolin can eat as many as 70 million insects in a year, making a high density of these insects a requirement.
The specific needs of pangolins differ between species that are primarily ground-dwelling and those that are adapted to climbing trees. Terrestrial species, such as the Cape pangolin, thrive in areas with softer or sandy soils that are conducive to digging.
In contrast, arboreal species like the white-bellied and black-bellied pangolins are adapted for life in the trees. These species require forested habitats with a sufficient number of trees to support their climbing and nesting behaviors. Some species have semi-prehensile tails that can grip branches, aiding their movement through the canopy as they forage for insects among the foliage.
The Role of Burrows and Nests
Ground-dwelling species are known for creating extensive burrows, which serve as their primary form of shelter. These subterranean structures provide protection from predators and the elements, and they function as nurseries where the animals raise their young. The burrows are dug using their strong front legs and claws.
These burrows can be surprisingly complex, often containing circular chambers for sleeping and nesting. Some excavated burrows belonging to terrestrial pangolins have revealed chambers large enough for a person to crawl inside.
Arboreal species utilize different forms of shelter. Instead of digging into the earth, tree-climbing pangolins like the Sunda pangolin often make their homes in the hollows of trees or logs. These natural cavities provide similar protection to that of a burrow, concealing the animals during their daytime sleep. Whether dug into the ground or nestled high in a tree, these shelters are central to the daily life and safety of a pangolin.
Consequences of Habitat Destruction
Pangolin populations are severely impacted by the loss and degradation of their natural environments. The primary driver of this destruction is human activity, including deforestation for agricultural expansion, logging operations, and the growth of settlements. In Asia, the development of palm oil plantations has led to the clearing of vast tracts of forest that species like the Sunda and Chinese pangolins depend on.
This destruction leads to habitat fragmentation, which breaks up large, contiguous areas of forest or grassland into smaller, isolated patches. This isolation makes it difficult for pangolins to find sufficient food resources and locate mates, which hinders population stability and growth.
The encroachment of agriculture and infrastructure into their territories also increases the animals’ vulnerability. As their natural homes shrink, pangolins are forced into closer proximity with human populations, exposing them to greater risks. The continued loss of these specialized habitats is a direct threat to the survival of all eight pangolin species.