Perception Channels: tactile ; chemical
The abundance of giant pangolins is not well known, since they have not been studied in detail and because they are nocturnal, which makes them difficult to observe casually. It is clear that deforestation for timber, urban development and agricultural development have decreased the amount of habitat available. Hunting also decreases population levels. Manis gigantea is listed on CITES appendix II.
US Federal List: no special status
CITES: appendix ii
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: near threatened
There are no known adverse effects of Manis gigantea on humans.
Pangolins are hunted for their meat and for their scales, which are considered very desirable due to their use in native medicines and rituals.
Giant pangolins eat ants and termites. The dig into both subterranean and mound-type termite nests with their powerful claws, and they can eat a large quantity of these insects. Pangolins must also have access to drinking water.
Giant pangolins live in Africa, along the equator from West Africa to Uganda.
Biogeographic Regions: ethiopian (Native )
This species lives in forests and savannahs where termites are abundant and water is available. It does not occur at high altitudes.
Terrestrial Biomes: forest ; rainforest ; scrub forest
The typical mass range of this species is not known, but one individual was found to weigh 33 kg. Male body length is about 140 cm; female about 125 cm. Manis gigantea is the largest of its genus, giving it the name "giant pangolin." It is covered with large, thick scales and has no hair (except eyelashes). The snout is long, and the scales are usually brown or reddish brown. It has long claws on the front feet and a long, wide tail.
Other Physical Features: endothermic ; bilateral symmetry
Little is known about the reproduction of this species. Two birth records indicate that a litter was found in September and another in October. The young weighed about 500 g at birth. The newborn has soft scales and its eyes are open. It cannot walk on its legs, but it is active and can scramble around on its stomach.
Key Reproductive Features: gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual
