Species group · Mammals

Pangolins

WAnimals has 6 species of pangolin, all in the family Manidae.

6 species
1 family
42 countries
97 parks
Weight
1.6 kg – 40 kg
Length
30 cm – 1.2 m
Lifespan
15 – 20 years

Ranges calculated from the entries that record the figure, not from all 6.

All 6 species of pangolins on WAnimals

Each one has its own full entry. This group does not replace them: it brings them together.

Conservation status

3 Critically Endangered3 Endangered

6 especies in this group están en alguna categoría de riesgo real según la UICN.

See the global conservation status

Where they live

Recorded in 42 countries. The ones with the most species in the group:

Where to see them

Did you know…

  • It is one of two pangolins listed as EDGE (Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered) and among the most illegally trafficked animals in the world.

    From Chinese Pangolin

  • It eats nothing but ants and termites, dug out of their nests with its powerful claws.

    From Chinese Pangolin

  • Its population has fallen by more than 80% in three generations.

    From Chinese Pangolin

  • It is the largest pangolin in the world and can dig burrows several metres deep with its powerful front claws.

    From Giant Pangolin

  • It walks on its hind legs, body upright and tail as a counterweight, keeping its front claws off the ground so as not to wear them down.

    From Giant Pangolin

  • It has no teeth at all: it grinds the insects in a muscular stomach containing small stones and grit swallowed on purpose.

    From Giant Pangolin

  • It is the most illegally trafficked mammal in the world.

    From Sunda Pangolin

  • When threatened it rolls into a tight ball armoured by its scales.

    From Sunda Pangolin

Ecosystems

See every species group · Explore the species one by one