Mammals
Tree Pangolin
Phataginus tricuspis · also called white-bellied pangolin
Gripping a branch securely with its strongly prehensile tail, a tree pangolin climbs through the rainforest canopy in search of ants and termites, spending nearly its entire life among the branches rather than on the forest floor.
Overview
The tree pangolin, Phataginus tricuspis, is an Endangered mammal native to rainforest habitat across Central and West Africa. Its highly flexible grasping tail, nearly exclusive canopy lifestyle, and severe threat from illegal wildlife trafficking make it one of the most arboreal and urgently threatened pangolin species found anywhere.
A life spent almost entirely aloft
Unlike the larger, ground-dwelling giant pangolin, the tree pangolin has committed almost entirely to life in the canopy, relying on its strongly prehensile tail to move confidently through the branches while hunting ants and termites.
Status
Endangered, with a declining population threatened severely by illegal poaching and habitat loss across its range in Central and West Africa.
Tree Pangolin: common questions
How does the tree pangolin move through the forest canopy?
It uses a highly flexible, prehensile tail to grip branches securely, allowing it to climb and move confidently through the trees where it spends nearly its entire life.
Why is it also called the white-bellied pangolin?
It shows a notably pale, whitish underside contrasting with its darker scaled back, a visual feature that gives the species its alternative common name.
How does the tree pangolin defend itself?
It rolls into a tight ball when threatened, using its overlapping protective scales as armour against predators.
Why is the tree 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.