Ground Pangolin
Smutsia temminckii
Ground Pangolin, ant and termite eater in African savannas and dry forests.
| Scientific name | Smutsia temminckii |
|---|---|
| Swahili name | Sungura wa Ardhi |
| Conservation status | Vulnerable |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Pholidota |
| Family | Manidae |
| Size | Males: 30-45 kg; Females: 25-35 kg |
How to identify
Body covered with hard scales; tail thick and covered with scales; long sticky tongue used to feed on ants and termites; strong limbs with sharp claws for digging; small head with small eyes
Habitat
Sparse woodland savanna, shrubland, dry forests, and open grasslands
Diet
Obligate myrmecophage, primarily feeding on ants and termites
When it is active
Nocturnal, active frequently at night, resting in burrows during the day
Where it lives
Mainly distributed in eastern and southern Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Namibia; present in Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve
How to spot it
Observe at night using infrared devices or flashlights; watch for ground digging marks and activity near ant hills; remain quiet to avoid disturbance
Photography tips
Use telephoto lenses to capture nocturnal activity; utilize low-light conditions; ensure natural background and highlight scale texture
Threats
Illegal hunting (for scales and meat trade); habitat loss and fragmentation; disturbance from human activities
Similar species
Tree pangolin (Smutsia gigantea), differs by larger size and arboreal lifestyle; other pangolin species differ in size and habitat
