Are There Pangolins in South Africa
What is a pangolin?
Pangolins, also known as scaly anteaters, are insect-eating mammals of the order “Pholidota” that have overlapping scales to protect themselves from predators in the wild.
What are the types of pangolin?
There are eight extant species of pangolin that includes:
1. Chinese pangolin
2. Indian pangolin
3. Sunda pangolin
4. Philippine pangolin
5. White-bellied pangolin
6. Black-bellied pangolin
7. Giant pangolin
8. Temminck’s pangolin
Which types of pangolin lives in Africa?
1. White-bellied pangolin
2. Black-bellied pangolin
3. Giant pangolin
4. Temminck’s pangolin
How many ants does a pangolin consume every day?
Pangolins use their long, sticky tongues to swallow up to 20,000 ants and termites every day (about 70 million per year).
What are pangolin used for?
1. The meat of pangolins is considered a delicacy in countries such as China and Vietnam.
2. Traditional medicine and folk treatments make use of pangolin scales.
3. Pangolin scale is used as a fashion accessory.
How much is a pangolin worth?
Pangolin scales cost more than $3,000/R 51,598 per kilograms on the black market and are worth US $600/R 10,320 per kilograms.
What ailments are cured by pangolin scales?
Pangolin scale was used to treat 15 ailments, including stomach ulcers, sexual infections, stroke, back problems, rheumatism, mental sickness, and as antibiotics.
Are there pangolins in South Africa?
Pangolins can be found in northern KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and sections of North West South Africa.
Where can I see pangolins in South Africa?
You can undertake safari sight-seeing of pangolins in South Africa at the following reserves:
1. Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
2. Marataba Private Reserve
3. Phinda Private Game Reserve
Which African nations are home to pangolins?
Pangolins are usually found in Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa.
How many African pangolins are slaughtered each year?
Every year, poachers kill up to 2.7 million African pangolins.
