Temminck’s
pangolin
Smutsia temminckii
Background & Distribution
The Temminck’s pangolin is the most widespread of the four African pangolin species, occurring from Southern Africa through most of East Africa and into southern Sudan and southern Chad. It is the second-largest species, with the largest individual to date weighing 19 kg. Individuals generally average 7–12 kg and may reach a length of 1.2 m. Size varies geographically, with smaller animals being found in semi-arid environments and larger animals in moist environments.
This species prefers semi-desert, savannah and woodland habitats and are mainly nocturnal, but this can vary dependent on age and geography. In some regions they may be predominantly diurnal during certain times of the year.
They are classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, and their population is believed to be decreasing.
Ecology
Temminck’s pangolins are entirely terrestrial, and their morphology reflects this mode of life. They are bipedal, walking only on their hind legs while the front limbs and tail are held off the ground and are used as counter-weights for balance. When climbing up steep embankments, individuals may use the front limbs as well to provide extra traction and may also ‘push’ themselves up with the tail. The tail is fairly broad and extremely muscular, and is used for protection.
This species is predominantly nocturnal during the hot summer months and becomes more diurnal during the cooler winter months. Juveniles have a greater tendency to be active during the day throughout their range, as they need to feed more frequently and avoid nocturnal predators.
They do not dig their own burrows, but rather make use of, and modify, old burrows that were dug by other species such as Aardvark (Orycteropus afer), Porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis), Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) and Springhare (Pedetes capensis).
Range
Home ranges vary in size from 600–1 400 hectares (6–14 km2),and are smaller for younger animals. Some studies have found that a male’s home range overlaps the home ranges of 4-5 females, while other studies have found that a single male and female will share a nearly identical home range. Home range dynamics may vary geographically, but this remains to be determined. In the Kalahari a home range is typically shared by an adult male and female, the previous year’s offspring, and one young animal that does not yet have a home range and wanders across the territories of other individuals in its search for a vacant territory.
Reproduction
Pangolins are solitary, with males and females only coming together briefly to breed. It is believed that males and females locate each other while out foraging, through a scent ‘trail’ that is left by the female. If a female is receptive, the male will approach her and after some courtship will mount her from the side. They will eventually retire to the female’s den, and may remain together in the den for up to three days, presumably mating at frequent intervals.
The female gives birth to a single offspring (pup) after a gestation period of 105-140 days. She may, very rarely, give birth to twins. The pup remains in the natal burrow for the first month, with the female regularly returning to nurse it. When the pup is strong enough, the female will periodically move the pup to a different den, with the pup being carried on the base of the mother’s tail or being slowly walked under her tail which is used to cover the pup. After about a month the pup starts accompanying the mother when she forages, and as it grows older and strong enough, it will ride on the mother’s back and begin to forage alongside the mother. The pup will stay with the mother for about three months. Thereafter, the pup begins to become independent, although remaining in the mother’s home range until about one year old.
The exact age of sexual maturity is not known, although it is believed that females will breed for the first time when 3-4 years old after they have established their own home range. Males probably become sexually mature at a similar age, but probably only breed for the first time once they have established their own territories (perhaps as late as 5-7 years old).
Diet
The diet consists entirely of ants and termites, with ants constituting about 90-95% of the diet and termites making up 5-10% of the diet. The relative proportion of each prey group varies geographically, seasonally and between individuals.
In the semi-arid regions of South Africa most foraging digs are superficial (less than 4 cm deep). Ants are usually preyed on at their surface holes, which are shallowly dug open, or in old, crumbling termite mounds. Termites are also usually preyed on from their port holes on the soil surface. Pangolins will often prey on termites at an active termite nest, usually only after the hard exterior of the termite mound has been opened by another species (such as the Aardvark Orycteropus afer). Pangolins will very rarely make small openings in the hard coverings of termite mounds to feed, but usually only during or directly after rain when the termite mound is softer. Foraging data from other regions of southern Africa have not been published yet.
They are very selective with regards to the species of ants and termites eaten, and do not simply eat the most abundant species. The ant genera that have been recorded in the pangolin’s diet include: Acantholepis, Aenictus, Anoplepis, Camponotus, Crematogaster, Dorylus, Monomorium, Myrmicaria, Ocymyrmex, Paltothyreus, Pheidole, Polyrhachis, Tapenonia, Technomyrmex, Tetramorium and Xiphomyrmex.
Termite species that are eaten include: Hodotermes, Odontotermes, Rhadinotermes and Trinervitermes.