Mammals
Giant Pangolin
Smutsia gigantea · also called giant ground pangolin
Tearing open a termite mound with powerful claws, a giant pangolin extracts insects with its long, sticky tongue, the largest of all pangolin species and one spending its life on the ground rather than climbing trees like several of its smaller relatives.
Overview
The giant pangolin, Smutsia gigantea, is an Endangered mammal native to rainforest and forest habitat across Central and West Africa. Its status as the largest pangolin species, ground-dwelling burrowing lifestyle, and severe threat from illegal wildlife trafficking make it one of the most urgently threatened large insectivorous mammals in Africa.
The biggest of an already remarkable family
Towering over its smaller, often tree-climbing relatives, the giant pangolin takes the pangolin family’s distinctive armoured, ant-eating lifestyle and scales it up considerably, trading a life in the branches for one spent digging burrows and tearing open termite mounds at ground level.
Status
Endangered, with a declining population threatened severely by illegal poaching and habitat loss across its range in Central and West Africa.
Giant Pangolin: common questions
How big does the giant pangolin get?
It is the largest of all pangolin species, considerably bigger than its smaller, often tree-dwelling relatives found elsewhere in Africa and Asia.
Does the giant pangolin climb trees like other pangolins?
No, unlike several smaller pangolin species, it spends most of its life on the ground, digging burrows and foraging for ants and termites at ground level.
How does the giant pangolin get its food?
It uses powerful front claws to tear open termite mounds and ant nests, then extracts the insects inside using an extremely long, sticky tongue.
Why is the giant pangolin endangered?
It faces severe pressure from illegal wildlife trafficking driven by demand for its scales and meat, combined with ongoing habitat loss across its range in Central and West Africa.