Ground Pangolin

Smutsia temminckii

Conservation Status

Near Threatened

Mammalia · Pholidota · Manidae

About

The ground pangolin, also known as Temminck's pangolin, Cape pangolin or steppe pangolin is a species of pangolin from genus Smutsia of subfamily Smutsiinae the within family Manidae. It is one of four species of pangolins which can be found in Africa, and the only one in southern and eastern Africa. The animal was named for the Dutch zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck.

Fun Fact

Ground pangolins roll into such a tight ball when threatened that even lions cannot unroll them — their overlapping scales are made of fused hair and are sharp enough to cut a predator's paws.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Savannas and woodlands

Diet

Insectivore

Lifespan

13-20 years

Threats

Wildfire
Illegal Wildlife Trade
Illegal Logging

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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