Origin
The giant pangolin (Manis gigantea) belongs to the genus Manis, order Pholidota. It lives in the equatorial zone, from West Africa to Uganda. The countries with the largest population are Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya. It is also found in Sierra Leone and Senegal. It prefers savanna areas, wooded areas, with large termite populations and water. It is not found at high altitudes. It is the largest species of pangolin.
The giant pangolin was first described by Johann Karl Wilhelm Illiger in 1815. It can be found in foreign or specialized literature and under the names: giant Ground Pangolin (giant Earth pangolin), Grand pangolin or giant Pangolin.
Due to habitat destruction and deforestation the species is in danger. In addition it is hunted for scales and meat. Locals believe that pangolin meat has healing effects. If no action is taken, a greater decline is expected in the coming years due to hunting and demand from the international market(China and Vietnam). It no longer exists in Rwanda and Nigeria. The attempt to protect this species in some places has led to increased hunting. Lucky specimens are found in several nature parks that are guarded and hunting is prohibited.
Feeding The Giant Pangolin
The main food of pangolin consists of termites and ants. These insects are rich in protein. Like other species, it lacks teeth and the ability to chew.
Due to its relatively large size, the giant pangolin rests its weight on its tail so it can use its front paws to open termite mounds. Termite mounds can reach 1-2 meters above the ground. The combination of physical strength and weight can break termite mounds, making them vulnerable. Only adults are strong enough for this. The young walk behind their mother until they can feed themselves.
Once the mound is opened, the pangolin uses its thin, 40cm-long tongue covered in sticky saliva to "serve" the termites.
Features Giant Pangolin
The giant pangolin is the largest species of pangolin on the globe. Males, which are larger than females (125cm), reach lengths of 140cm and weight of 33kg. Like all species of pangolin, the body is likecovered with scales and has a reddish-brown color. The scales are made of keratin, the same substance from which the hair, hooves, nails, etc., of other animals or humans is made. The muzzle is long and thin, as is the tail. The front paws end with strong fingers and claws.
The vision is not very good, but the smell is very well developed. Anal glands have a strong odor. When moving, it uses its tail for balance. He also walks on two legs like bipeds. And hearing is very good even if the ears are devoid of earbuds.
Like other species of pangolins, the giant pangolin is also a nocturnal animal. It was also normal because the solar radiation during the day and the high temperatures pose great problems on the go. It is generally a solitary animal capable of climbing trees. It is found in areas with slightly higher humidity where it can dig into the soil to look for food.
The day rests at the base of the roots of trees or in hollows in the shade.
Locals use scales and other body parts to bring rain, drive away evil spirits and Lions.
Breeding The Giant Pangolin
Little is known about the reproduction of pangolin. Some causes are that it is a nocturnal, secretive, shy animal and there are few species. Normally they are solitary animals, but during the breeding season they met in the same burrow the male, the female and the cub.
The female gives birth between September and October. The gestation period lasts 4-5 months (140 days). At birth, puppies weigh about 500 grams. Puppies are born with open eyes. The scales at first are soft, they harden with age. In the first days they can not walk standing, they crawl on their stomachs.
By the age of 6-8 weeks, the chicks secrete a foul-smelling yellow substance from the anal glands, a substance that keeps predators away.
Life expectancy is estimated at 9 years, but may live longer.
