Main Characteristics

Long-Tailed Pangolins are the smallest species of pangolin. They have a body length between 30 and 40 cms (11.8 - 15.7 inches), a tail length between 60 and 70 cms (23.6 - 27.6 inches) and they weigh between 2 and 3 kgs (4.4 - 6.6 lbs).

With the exception of its dark coloured underside, the Long-Tailed Pangolin is covered in extremely hard, dark brown coloured scales. It rolls up into a ball to protect itself when it is threatened and they emit a foul, strong smelling fluid from their anal scent glands.

They have a small head, a long snout and small eyes. Their ears are small and they have no hair or scales on their muzzle. Their long tail has a bare tip on the end to help the pangolin manoeuver around in the trees and each foot has five long, curved claws.

Long-Tailed Pangolins have been known to drop from the trees into water and they are good swimmers.

Habitat

Long-Tailed Pangolins are found in the forests of sub-saharan Africa. They are completely arboreal and rarely venture to the ground. They are active at night and spend their days in a hollow tree.

Diet

Long-Tailed Pangolins mainly feed on tree dwelling ants and occasionally termites. They use their long, sticky tongue to capture and eat their prey.

Breeding

Not much is known about reproduction in Long-Tailed Pangolins. It is assumed they breed throughout the year and the female will give birth to 1 youngster. The young pangolin is carried around on its mothers tail for several months until it is weaned.

Predators

Humans are thought to be predators of Long-Tailed Pangolins.

Subspecies

There are no subspecies of the Long-Tailed Pangolin.

Interesting Facts

Long-Tailed Pangolins are also known as:
Black-Bellied Pangolin
Long-Tailed Tree Pangolin
Ipi

As pangolins have no teeth, their stomach is specially designed to grind up their food, with the aid of the sand and small stones that they consume.

Similar Animals

Indian Pangolin
Chinese Pangolin
Ground Pangolin
Tree Pangolin
Philippine Pangolin
Giant Pangolin
Sunda Pangolin