Mammals
Ground Pangolin
Smutsia temminckii · also called Temminck's pangolin, Cape pangolin
At night on the southern African savanna, a ground pangolin backs out of an aardvark’s old burrow and trots upright across the sand, its scaly tail balancing its weight.
Overview
The ground pangolin, Smutsia temminckii, is a Vulnerable scaly anteater of the savannas and woodlands of southern and eastern Africa. Its keratin armour, use of burrows dug by others, and ability to walk on its hind legs make it one of the most distinctive pangolins in Africa.
An armoured anteater of the savanna
Hunted for its meat and scales, the ground pangolin is far more often found in the illegal wildlife trade than seen in the wild.
Status
Vulnerable, with a decreasing population.
Ground Pangolin: common questions
Why is it called the ground pangolin?
It lives on the ground and shelters in burrows, unlike the tree pangolin, which climbs.
Where does the ground pangolin shelter?
It shelters in burrows dug by other animals, such as aardvarks, and in natural holes.
How does the ground pangolin defend itself?
It curls up into a tight ball, protecting its soft belly with its scales.
Where is the ground pangolin found?
It lives in savanna and woodland across southern and eastern Africa.