Ground Pangolin - Smutsia temminckii

One animal that has come to the forefront of the conservation world is the pangolin. This scaly creature has become the world’s most trafficked animal. The scales cover their bodies, so when threatened they curl into a hard ball as a means of protection. These scales have led to their persecution, as with Rhino horn and hair, they are made of Keratin and are widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. 

These odd looking creatures are mostly nocturnal and primarily eat ants and termites. It has strong claws for ripping apart the earth in search of food. Their babies are known as ‘Pangopups’ and ride around on their mothers tail. 

There are 8 species of Pangolin, 4 from Asia and 4 from Africa. This is the Ground Pangolin and it is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ by the IUCN.