African black-bellied pangolin, Ipi
The Long-tailed pangolin (Phataginus tetradactyla), also called the African black-bellied pangolin, or Ipi, is a diurnal, arboreal pangolin species belonging to the family Manidae, in the order Pholidota. The common names for this species stem from physical characteristics, such as the extremely long tail or the dark hairs that cover the underside of their bodies and limbs. Pangolin comes from the Malay word pengguling, meaning “something that rolls up”.
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DiurnalDiurnal animals are active during the daytime, with a period of sleeping or other inactivity at night. The timing of activity by an animal depends ...
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CarnivoreA carnivore meaning 'meat eater' is an organism that derives its energy and nutrient requirements from a diet consisting mainly or exclusively of a...
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MyrmecophagousMyrmecophagy is a feeding behavior defined by the consumption of termites or ants, particularly as pertaining to those animal species whose diets a...
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ArborealArboreal locomotion is the locomotion of animals in trees. In habitats in which trees are present, animals have evolved to move in them. Some anima...
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ViviparousAmong animals, viviparity is the development of the embryo inside the body of the parent. The term 'viviparity' and its adjective form 'viviparous'...
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SolitaryNo
Not a migrantAnimals that do not make seasonal movements and stay in their native home ranges all year round are called not migrants or residents.
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starts withThe Long-tailed pangolin has a characteristic very long tail (hence its common name), reaching a length of around 60–70 cm (24–28 in). The tail contains 46–47 caudal vertebrae, a record among mammals. The body can reach a length of 30–40 cm (12–16 in) and weigh 2.0–2.5 kg. The males are larger than the females.
Even with the long tail, this species is the smallest of eight extant species of pangolins. As with other pangolins, the Long-tailed pangolin is covered with 9 to 13 rows of overlapping, artichoke leaf-shaped keratinous scales. The scales are dark brown in color with a brighter rim, which serves as camouflage. The feet have large, curved claws. The tip of the tail is bare and contains a sensory pad that allows the individual to seek out and grip branches. They do not have teeth, while the tongue is very long. The abdomen, underside of the limbs, and face are covered in dark fur instead of scales.
Long-tailed pangolins are native to parts of western and central Africa, and have also been found as far west and north as Senegal, across the continent to Uganda, and south into Angola. They are found in areas such as the Congo Basin and Guinean forests. These animals prefer to live in moist, tropical riverine and swamp forest environments but have been observed in altered forests (bush), and agricultural areas of former lowland rain forests. They are usually found near water.
Long-tailed pangolins are solitary and shy creatures. They are almost exclusively arboreal, spending the majority of their time in the canopy region. Their long, prehensile tails can easily support their body weight and are commonly used to seek out supportive holds. Occasionally, they dangle just by their tails. Their durable claws also allow them to dig into the bark of the trees and pull themselves up into the canopy. When they are unable to reach another branch, they have been known to extend their tails to the next hold and climb up it. Despite spending most of their life in the canopy, Long-tailed pangolins are also apt swimmers. They occasionally drop from overhanging branches into streams below. They move through the water with a quick, undulating movement. Long-tailed pangolins are the only diurnal species of pangolin and have developed a number of antipredatory mechanisms to protect themselves from predators starting with their scales, which act as camouflage. When threatened, they roll themselves into a tight ball, exposing only their sharp scales. They may also emit foul-smelling fluid from their anal glands. They have been observed sleeping (at night) in this rolled-up posture in tree hollows, epiphytes, tree ferns, or in old ant nests. Long-tailed pangolins communicate with each other using pheromones that are produced in a pair of anal scent glands. The pheromones in the exudate are likely used to attract mates and establish territorial edges.
Long-tailed pangolins are myrmecophagous, meaning they primarily feed on ants. Using their well-developed sense of smell, they seek out arboreal ant nests, then tear them open with their strong, curved claws. They use their long, sticky tongues to capture escaping ants, pulling them into their mouths and swallowing them whole.
Little is known about the mating system and reproductive behavior of Long-tailed pangolins. They are thought to mate throughout the year, with an average gestation period of roughly 140 days. Females give birth to a single offspring at a time. The young are born with soft scales that harden within a few days. They ride on their mother’s tail for up to 3 months after birth and become reproductively mature at around 2 years of age.
Long-tailed pangolins are heavily hunted for the bushmeat and traditional medicine trade. These animals also suffer from habitat loss, however, they are relatively tolerant of moderate habitat modification, as seen in populations that have found homes in agricultural areas of former lowland rainforests.
The IUCN Red List and other sources don’t provide the number of the Long-tailed pangolin total population size. Currently, this species is classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are decreasing.
