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Small mammals
Ground pangolin
Ground pangolin · Smutsia temminckii
Ground pangolins wear an armour of scales and move almost silently through savannas and bushland in search of ants.
Fact file
- Size
- 40 to 65 cm body length, tail up to 55 cm, usually 7 to 18 kg in weight
- Males and females
- Males slightly larger, but hardly distinguishable externally
- Sounds
- Silent animals, occasionally a faint scratching sound when digging
- Diet
- Carrion, termites and ants, eaten with the help of the long tongue
- Offspring
- Usually one young per year, born after around 135 days of gestation in a hidden den
How to identify Ground pangolin
The ground pangolin is instantly recognisable by its extraordinary body covering of hard horn scales arranged like roof tiles. Its colour varies between olive-brown and grey, depending on the light. The snout is elongated and the head tapers to a point.
Adult ground pangolins reach a body length of 40 to 65 cm and usually weigh between 7 and 18 kg. The tail is almost as long as the body, strong and also completely covered with scales. The limbs are short, with powerful claws on the front feet.
More in the app
With Wildful Stories+ you also get in the app:
- general viewing tips
Where Ground pangolin live
Namibia
Botswana
South Africa
Discover Ground pangolin on your trip.
The app shows you where and when to see wildlife along your route.
