A & F Wildlife FoundationWildlife-Pedia
Ground Pangolin

Species Profile

Ground Pangolin

Smutsia temminckii

A shy, heavily trafficked insect-eater whose protection depends on awareness, reporting, and habitat security.

HabitatWoodland, scrubland, and mixed savanna
RangeSouthern and East Africa
DietInsectivore
StatusVulnerable

Pangolins are among the most distinctive and threatened mammals in the world. Their protective scales and elusive behavior make them remarkable, but illegal trafficking has pushed many populations into decline.

For Wildlife-Pedia, pangolins represent a core educational priority: helping people recognize a species that is often unseen but deeply at risk. The platform encourages safe reporting, anti-trafficking awareness, and community-level responsibility in habitats where pangolins still survive.

Coexistence tip

Do not handle or relocate pangolins yourself. Report sightings or suspected trafficking to trained wildlife authorities immediately.

Risk level

Moderate

Why it matters

Healthy ecosystems depend on informed protection.

Better local awareness helps reduce avoidable conflict.