Bespoke Tanzania Safaris

The Ground Pangolin, scientifically known as Smutsia temminckii, also referred to as Temminck’s pangolin or Cape pangolin, is one of Africa’s most enigmatic and elusive creatures, with Tanzania being part of its range. In Tanzania, this species is known as “Mbaki” in Swahili, a term often used for pangolins in general. Tanzania’s diverse landscapes offer suitable habitats for ground pangolins, from savannahs to grasslands, although they are less studied compared to larger mammals.

Population estimates for ground pangolins in Tanzania are challenging due to their secretive, nocturnal lifestyle and the vast areas they inhabit. The species is classified as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN Red List, with threats including habitat loss, poaching for meat and scales for traditional medicine, and the illegal wildlife trade. In Tanzania, conservation efforts focus on broader pangolin protection, as there’s a lack of specific data on ground pangolin numbers. The Tanzania Research and Conservation Organization (TRCO) has been involved in projects to better understand and protect pangolins, including the ground pangolin, through research, community education, and anti-poaching initiatives.

COMMON NAME:Ground Pangolin

SWAHILI NAME:(Mbaki, though this term is more commonly used for pangolins in general; specific names might vary by region)

SCIENTIFIC NAME:Smutsia temminckii

TYPE:Mammal

FOOD:Ground Pangolins are myrmecophagous, meaning their diet consists almost exclusively of ants and termites. They use their long, sticky tongues to extract insects from their nests.

HABITAT:They inhabit savannah woodlands, grasslands, and semi-arid regions across southern and eastern Africa, from Sudan to South Africa. They prefer areas with loose soil for digging and termite or ant mounds for feeding.

SIZE:

• Length: They can grow to about 40 to 70 cm (15.7 to 27.6 inches) in body length, with the tail adding another 40 to 50 cm (15.7 to 19.7 inches).
• Height: When standing on their hind legs, which they often do while foraging, they can reach about 30 to 40 cm (11.8 to 15.7 inches) tall.

AVERAGE LIFE SPAN IN THE NATURAL HABITAT:In the wild, their lifespan is not well-documented but is estimated to be around 12 to 20 years.

ACTIVE:Ground Pangolins are primarily nocturnal, active during the night to forage for food, but during colder months or in certain regions, they might also be active during the day.

GESTATION PERIOD:The gestation period is approximately 130 to 150 days.

SEXUAL DIMORPHISM:Males are generally larger than females, but the difference is not very pronounced. Sexual dimorphism in pangolins is subtle, mainly noticeable in size and sometimes in behavior.

WEIGHT:

• Male: Can weigh between 10 to 27 kg (22 to 60 lbs).
• Female: Typically weigh slightly less, around 9 to 20 kg (20 to 44 lbs).

SIZE COMPARISON TO A 6-FT MAN:

• Height: When standing on their hind legs, a Ground Pangolin would reach up to the knees of a 6-foot man.
• Length: Stretched out, their body length, including the tail, would be comparable to the distance from a man’s waist to his feet.

Habitat and Distribution:

Terrestrial Dwellers:

The Ground Pangolin, scientifically known as Smutsia temminckii, is a species of pangolin that predominantly inhabits the savannas, grasslands, and woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa. It is adapted to terrestrial life and spends most of its time on the ground, foraging for food and seeking shelter.

Geographic Distribution:

Ground Pangolins have a wide distribution across Africa, with populations found in countries such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, and Cameroon. They can thrive in diverse habitats, ranging from arid regions to more humid landscapes, showcasing their adaptability to varying environmental conditions.

Physical Appearance and Adaptations:

Ground Pangolins are uniquely adapted mammals:

• Size: They measure between 40 to 70 cm in body length, with tails adding an additional 40 to 50 cm. They stand about 30 to 40 cm tall when on their hind legs.
• Weight: Adult pangolins can weigh from 10 to 27 kg, with males usually being larger than females.
• Scales: Their bodies are almost entirely covered in overlapping, protective scales made of keratin, the same material as human nails. These scales can make up about 20% of their body weight.
• Color: The scales are typically dark brown to black, offering camouflage against the ground and in burrows.
• Limbs and Claws: They have strong, muscular limbs for digging. Their front feet possess three long, curved claws designed for breaking into termite mounds and excavating burrows.
• Tail: The tail is long, broad, and used for balance when walking or digging, and it can be used defensively to ward off threats.
• Head: They have small, conical heads with no external ears, but their hearing is good. Their eyes are small, indicating a reliance more on smell than sight for hunting.

Unique Scale Armor:

The most distinctive feature of the Ground Pangolin is its impressive scale armor. The body is covered in overlapping, keratinous scales that provide a protective barrier against potential predators. When threatened, the Ground Pangolin curls into a tight ball, with its scales acting as a formidable shield.

Well-Suited for Digging:

Ground Pangolins possess strong, curved claws that are perfectly adapted for digging. These claws enable them to excavate burrows in the ground where they rest, seek refuge, and rear their young. They are highly proficient diggers, capable of creating intricate tunnel systems.

Feeding Habits and Diet:

Ant and Termite Specialists:

The diet of the Ground Pangolin consists primarily of ants and termites, making it an invaluable insectivore. With its long, sticky tongue, it extracts these small creatures from their nests and mounds. Ground Pangolins play a vital role in maintaining the balance of insect populations, contributing to the overall health of their ecosystems.

Efficient Foragers:

Ground Pangolins have a keen sense of smell, which they utilize to locate ant and termite colonies. They use their powerful front claws to tear open the insect nests, accessing their preferred food source. Their specialized feeding adaptations make them highly efficient foragers in their terrestrial habitat.

Pangolin Safaris:

• Specialized Wildlife Tours: Companies like Tranquil Safari focus on unique wildlife, including pangolins, offering night drives in areas known for sightings.
• Conservation Tours: Some tours combine wildlife viewing with conservation education, visiting projects like those by TRCO.
• Community-Based Safaris: Engaging with local communities can provide insights into pangolin conservation efforts.

Behavior and Conservation Status:

Nocturnal Wanderers:

Ground Pangolins are primarily nocturnal creatures, venturing out under the cover of darkness to search for food. They are solitary animals, spending much of their time alone, except during the mating season.

Conservation Status and Threats:

The Ground Pangolin is listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. It faces numerous threats that contribute to its declining populations. Habitat loss due to agriculture, deforestation, and land development, as well as illegal hunting for their scales and meat, pose significant challenges to their survival.

Conservation Efforts:

Conservation organizations, governments, and local communities are working together to protect the Ground Pangolin. Efforts include establishing protected areas, implementing anti-poaching measures, raising awareness about pangolin conservation, and promoting sustainable land use practices. Research and monitoring projects are also helping to gather crucial data for conservation strategies.