What is a pangolin?
Meet the world’s only scaled mammal: the pangolin. Often described as a "walking pinecone," these extraordinary creatures carry a suit of armor made of keratin scales. When threatened, they roll into a tight, impenetrable ball—a defense mechanism so iconic it inspired their name, which comes from the Malay word pengguling, meaning "one who rolls up."
Pangolins are highly specialized insectivores, feeding exclusively on ants and termites. To reach their prey, they use powerful, sharp claws to tear into nests and peel bark from trees. But their most remarkable feature is hidden within: a sticky tongue that can be longer than their entire body. This tongue doesn't start in the mouth, but deep in the chest cavity near the ribs. Lacking teeth, pangolins "chew" their food inside their stomachs using small stones and sand ingested during mealtime.
The Eight Species
There are eight species of pangolin globally, split evenly between Asia and Africa. Sadly, every species is currently threatened with extinction.
African Species:
- White-bellied Pangolin – Vulnerable
- Black-bellied Pangolin – Vulnerable
- Giant Ground Pangolin – Vulnerable
- Temminck’s Ground Pangolin – Vulnerable
Asian Species:
- Chinese Pangolin – Critically Endangered
- Sunda Pangolin – Critically Endangered
- Indian Pangolin – Endangered
- Philippine Pangolin – Endangered
The Reality of Saving a Critically Endangered Species
Pangolins are the most heavily trafficked mammals in the world, and rescuing them comes with immense challenges. Last year alone, we rehabilitated 13 pangolins and successfully released 9 of them back into the wild.
Tragically, not every rescue has a happy ending. Many pangolins arrive at our gates with severe physical injuries, or suffering from such extreme stress, dehydration, and starvation that they cannot be saved. While these losses are heartbreaking, they only strengthen our resolve to protect every single animal that comes through our gates.
The Challenge of Specialist Care
Pangolins are among the most difficult and expensive animals to rehabilitate due to their highly specific survival needs:
- A Natural Diet Only: Pangolins eat exclusively live ants and termites. Because they cannot be fed from a bowl, they require a unique "soft release" style of care.
- Daily Forest Foraging: Our team must physically accompany the pangolins deep into the forest for several hours every single day, allowing them to climb trees and forage naturally.
- Dedicated Local Staff: To provide this intensive, one-on-one care, we employ three dedicated local staff members specifically to walk, protect, and monitor our pangolins during their recovery.
This round-the-clock commitment makes the pangolin our most resource-heavy resident. However, it is a vital investment to ensure they regain the strength and wild behaviors needed to thrive once they are permanently released back into their natural habitat.
More Information
China raises protection for pangolins by removing scales from medicin list
22/7: Record haul of elephant ivory and pangolin scales seized in Singapore
22/7: Record haul of elephant ivory and pangolin scales seized in Singapore
22/7: Record haul of elephant ivory and pangolin scales seized in Singapore
19/5/23: Over 5 tonnes of pangolin scales discovered in Ba Ria-Vung Tau
19/5/23: Over 5 tonnes of pangolin scales discovered in Ba Ria-Vung Tau
13 tonnes of pangolin scales seized in Singapore
Illegal pangolin scale seizure crosses $100 million mark
Customs seizes $900m worth of Pangolin scales in 2018
Customs seizes $900m worth of Pangolin scales in 2018
Illegal pangolin scale seizure crosses $100 million mark
Customs seizes $900m worth of Pangolin scales in 2018
Illegal pangolin scale seizure crosses $100 million mark
Illegal pangolin scale seizure crosses $100 million mark
The illegal pangolin trade is finally banned all over the world
The illegal pangolin trade is finally banned all over the world
The illegal pangolin trade is finally banned all over the world
Chinese man sentenced to 20 months for trafficking 48kg of scales
Meet the filmmakers behind the ground-breaking new documentary that is fighting to save the pangolin