Short-tailed Pangolin Description

Common Name: Short-tailed Pangolin
Scientific Name: Manis tetradactyla

Habitat

The Short-tailed Pangolin is primarily found in the tropical forests of West and Central Africa, including countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This species thrives in a variety of environments, ranging from dense rainforests to secondary forests and savannas, often inhabiting areas rich in termite and ant populations.

Physical Characteristics

The Short-tailed Pangolin is a relatively small species, typically reaching a length of 45 to 60 centimeters (18 to 24 inches) with a short, curled tail that distinguishes it from other pangolins. Its body is covered in hard, overlapping scales made primarily of keratin, giving it a unique appearance. The scales are usually brownish or yellowish in color, providing effective camouflage in its natural habitat. Additionally, this pangolin has strong forelimbs equipped with long claws, which are ideal for digging into ant and termite mounds.

Behavior

The Short-tailed Pangolin is primarily nocturnal and secretive, often foraging alone at night. It exhibits a unique curling behavior, rolling into a ball when threatened as a defensive mechanism. Typically, this species is known for its exceptional sense of smell, which it uses to locate food sources effectively. Short-tailed Pangolins are also known to be excellent climbers, often seen foraging in trees as well as on the ground.

Diet

Feeding primarily on ants and termites, the Short-tailed Pangolin employs its sharp claws to break into mounds and its sticky tongue to capture its prey. This diet positions it as an important player in controlling insect populations in its ecosystem, showcasing its role as a natural pest controller. Adult pangolins can consume up to 70 million insects annually, highlighting their significant feeding habits.

Reproduction

Short-tailed Pangolins have a relatively low reproductive rate. The breeding season typically occurs once a year, resulting in the birth of a single offspring after a gestation period of about 130 to 150 days. Newborn pangolins are born with soft scales that harden over time. Maternal care is observed, with mothers guarding and nursing their young until they are old enough to forage independently.

Conservation Status

The Short-tailed Pangolin is currently classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Its populations are threatened due to habitat loss and poaching for its scales and meat, which are in high demand in illegal wildlife markets. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect this unique species and its habitat.

Interesting Facts

1. The Short-tailed Pangolin is one of the few mammals with a protective armor of keratin scales.
2. They are often referred to as “scaly anteaters” due to their diet and physical characteristics.
3. Pangolins are the only mammals wholly covered in scales, making them unique in the animal kingdom.

Role in Ecosystem

The Short-tailed Pangolin plays a vital ecological role by regulating insect populations, aiding in the health of its ecosystem. Its feeding habits help maintain the balance between predator and prey in the surrounding environment, while also fostering soil health through burrowing activities and nutrient cycling.

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