Main Characteristics

The Tree Pangolin is one of four species of pangolin found in Africa. They are relatively small and they weigh between 1.8 and 2.4 kgs (4 - 5.3 lbs).

With the exception of its underside and parts of its head and neck, the Tree Pangolin is covered in extremely hard, brown coloured scales. They have a long, prehensile tail which they are able to climb up in the absence of branches.

It rolls up into a ball to protect itself when it is threatened and Tree Pangolins are good swimmers.

Habitat

Tree Pangolins can be found in the rainforests of Africa. They are solitary and they mark their territory with secretions from their anal glands.

Diet

Tree Pangolins mainly feed on ground and tree termites and ants. They use their sense of smell to locate their prey, they rip open mounds with their claws and use their long, sticky tongue to eat.

Breeding

After a gestation period of around 150 days, 1 youngster is born. At birth it weighs between 90 and 160 g (3.2 - 5.6 oz). After 2 days it's soft scales begin to harden and after 1 month it will travel around with its mother, riding on the base of her tail.

The youngster is weaned at around 3 - 4 months old and if it is out with its mother and she senses danger, the young pangolin will slip beneath her and it will be protected when she rolls up.

Predators

Leopards and pythons are the main predators of Tree Pangolins.

Subspecies

Subspecies of the Tree Pangolin are:

Manis tricuspis mabirae
Manis tricuspis tricuspis

Interesting Facts

Tree Pangolins are also known as:
White-Bellied Pangolin
Three-Cusped Pangolin

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

Long-Tailed Pangolin
Indian Pangolin
Chinese Pangolin
Ground Pangolin
Philippine Pangolin
Giant Pangolin
Sunda Pangolin