Bespoke Tanzania Safaris

The Tree Pangolin, scientifically named Phataginus tricuspis, is one of the lesser-known but fascinating species of pangolins in Africa. In Tanzania, this species is part of the country’s biodiversity, although its presence is less documented or observed compared to ground pangolins due to its more restricted habitat preferences. Known in Swahili generally as “Mbaki,” the term for pangolins, there might not be a specific name for tree pangolins, reflecting their rarity in local culture.

Population data for tree pangolins in Tanzania is not comprehensive, as they are elusive, nocturnal, and arboreal, making them hard to study. However, they are known to inhabit the eastern parts of Tanzania, particularly in regions with dense vegetation like the Eastern Arc Mountains and parts of the coastal forests. The IUCN Red List classifies the tree pangolin as “Vulnerable,” with threats including habitat loss due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and hunting for bushmeat and traditional medicine. Conservation efforts in Tanzania are broad and include pangolins under initiatives aimed at forest conservation, wildlife protection, and community engagement to reduce poaching.

COMMON NAME: Tree Pangolin

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

SCIENTIFIC NAME :Phataginus tricuspis

TYPE :Mammal

FOOD :Tree Pangolins are insectivorous, feeding primarily on ants and termites. They use their long, sticky tongues to extract insects from tree branches, ant hills, and termite mounds.

HABITAT :They predominantly inhabit tropical rainforests, secondary forests, and woodlands with dense vegetation where they can climb trees. They are found across West and Central Africa, including countries like Cameroon, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

SIZE:

• Length: They measure about 30 to 40 cm (11.8 to 15.7 inches) in body length, with a tail length of roughly 30 to 60 cm (11.8 to 23.6 inches), which is prehensile for climbing.
• Height: When standing on their hind legs, they are approximately 30 cm (11.8 inches) tall.

AVERAGE LIFE SPAN IN THE NATURAL HABITAT: Their lifespan in the wild isn’t well-documented, but they are estimated to live around 10 to 15 years.

ACTIVE: Tree Pangolins are mainly nocturnal, becoming active at night to forage for insects, though they might also be seen during the day in areas with less human disturbance.

GESTATION PERIOD: The gestation period is around 130 to 145 days.

SEXUAL DIMORPHISM :There is minimal sexual dimorphism in tree pangolins; males and females are similar in size, though males might be slightly larger.

WEIGHT:

• Male and Female: They typically weigh between 1.5 to 2.5 kg (3.3 to 5.5 lbs), with little difference between genders.

SIZE COMPARISON TO A 6-FT MAN:

• Height: When standing, a tree pangolin would reach just below the knee of a 6-foot man.
• Length: Stretched out, including their tail, they would be roughly from the waist down to just above the knee of a man standing.

Habitat and Distribution:

Canopy Dwellers:

The Tree Pangolin, scientifically known as Phataginus tricuspis, is a species of pangolin that primarily inhabits the lush forests of Central and West Africa. Unlike its ground-dwelling relatives, the Tree Pangolin spends a significant portion of its life in the trees, where it finds shelter and food amidst the dense foliage.

Geographic Distribution:

Tree Pangolins are found in various countries across Central and West Africa, including Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Nigeria. Their distribution is closely tied to the availability of suitable forest habitats, where they can climb trees and forage for their preferred food sources.

Physical Appearance and Adaptations:

Tree Pangolins are distinct with their unique physical features:

• Size: They have a body length of 30 to 40 cm, with an additional 30 to 60 cm tail, which is prehensile, aiding in climbing.
• Weight: They are relatively light, weighing between 1.5 to 2.5 kg, making them ideal for an arboreal lifestyle.
• Scales: Like all pangolins, they are covered in overlapping scales made of keratin, providing protection. The scales are lighter and thinner compared to those of ground pangolins, better suited for tree life.
• Coloration: Their scales are dark brown to olive, with lighter fur on the underside, offering camouflage in the forest environment.
• Limbs and Claws: They have long, sharp claws on all four feet, perfect for gripping bark and branches. The tail also has a soft pad at the end for climbing.
• Head: They possess a small, pointed snout and small eyes, indicating reliance on smell over sight for foraging.

Scaled Protection:

Similar to other pangolin species, the Tree Pangolin is adorned with a remarkable suit of scales. These scales, made of keratin, serve as a form of armor, protecting the pangolin from potential threats. When threatened, the Tree Pangolin curls into a tight ball, with its scales acting as a formidable shield against predators.

Arboreal Adaptations:

The Tree Pangolin possesses several adaptations that make it well-suited for an arboreal lifestyle. Its strong prehensile tail provides balance and serves as an extra limb, aiding in climbing and maneuvering among tree branches. It also has sharp claws that enable it to grip tree trunks and branches with ease.

Behavior and Feeding Habits:

Nocturnal Wanderers:

Tree Pangolins are primarily nocturnal creatures, venturing out under the cover of darkness to forage for food and explore their forested habitats. They possess excellent night vision, enabling them to navigate through the trees with precision.

Ant and Termite Specialists:

The diet of the Tree Pangolin consists predominantly of ants and termites. Using their long, sticky tongues, they extract these small insects from nests and mounds found in the trees. Their specialized diet contributes to the control of insect populations and plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance within their habitat.

Conservation Status and Threats:

Vulnerable Status:

The Tree Pangolin is listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. It faces numerous threats, including habitat loss due to deforestation, logging, and land conversion for agriculture. Additionally, illegal hunting and the illegal wildlife trade pose significant challenges to their survival.

Conservation Efforts:

Efforts are underway to protect the Tree Pangolin and its habitat. Conservation organizations, local communities, and governments are working together to establish protected areas, raise awareness about the importance of pangolin conservation, and combat illegal wildlife trade through law enforcement and education.