Mammal · GBIF taxon 5219628
Malayan Pangolin
Manis javanicaAlso known as Sunda Pangolin, Javan Pangolin
Sunda pangolins are solitary, nocturnal mammals covered in a protective suit of overlapping keratin scales. Equipped with powerful front claws for opening ant mounds and a specialized tongue longer than their body, they forage efficiently on forest floors and in tree canopies. Mothers carry their soft-scaled offspring on the base of their tails while searching for food at night.
NocturnalMammalScaly
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Critically EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXCritically EndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Ants
- Termites
- Insect larvae
Predators
- Tigers
- Leopards
- Pythons
ThreatsIllegal poaching for scales and meat, habitat destruction
HabitatsPrimary and secondary rainforests, plantations, gardens, mangroves
Life span15–20 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyManidae
- SpeciesManis javanica
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance; do not touch or disturb wild individuals.
- What to notice
- Recognizable by large keratin scales covering the body, small conical head, and long prehensile tail.
- Support conservation
- Maintain a quiet distance, never harass or pick up wild individuals, and keep location coordinates confidential.
Responsible observation
- Lighting Etiquette: Use a dim red flashlight when searching at night to avoid disorienting them.
- Poaching Protection: Never post precise GPS locations of wild sightings on open social media platforms.
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