Manis tricuspis
tree pangolin

The African tree pangolin occurs in the rainforests of Africa in the west-central region of the continent from Senegal to western Kenya, and south to Zambia.

Manis tricuspis lives in rainforests of Africa

This is a relatively small species of pangolin. The body is covered in brown overlapping scales that are derived from the dermis, covered with epidermis, and cornified. The scales have 3 points, which can get worn down with age, that are responsible for the species name "tricuspis". Skin and hair is light colored. The tail is long and prehensile, and tree pangolins can climb up their own tail in the absence of branches. Parts of the head and neck remain unscaled. There is no zygomatic arch or teeth. The eyes are small and shrouded by thick eyelids. There are five digits on each foot. The xiphisternum has two long cartilaginous rods circling toward the head, which aid in the attachment of stomach muscles.

African tree pangolins are solitary, with the exception of females with young. They mark their territories with secretions from the anal region. Females rarely meet each other, as their territories are small (less than 10 acres) and do not overlap. The larger territory of a male (up to 60 acres) overlaps many female territories, resulting in male/female meetings that are brief unless the female is in breeding condition. These pangolins are nocturnal, resting during the day in hollow trees, epiphytes, and excavated termite hills. The only sound made is an agressive snort.

Manis tricuspis eats ground and tree termites and Crematogaster ants, which are located by smell. Between 5 and 7 ounces of insects are eaten every day. Often, termite mounds are excavated with the forefeet. Termites and ants are lapped up with the tongue, which is covered in sticky saliva manufactured by the huge salivary glands. Pangolins have no teeth and require strong stomach muscles to grind the tough exoskeletons of their prey. Grit and stones are swallowed to assist in grinding in the stomach. Pangolins drink often by lapping up water with their tongues. Foraging occurs during the night and lasts between 3-4 hours for females, and up to 10 hours for males.

None known

Pangolins are important to local indigenous people for a number of purposes. The meat is used and considered a delicacy. Scales are thought by Chinese cultures to have medicinal value as an antiseptic and to combat fever and skin disease. Scales are either used as is or ground into a powder for use in potions, which are thought to aid in treating veneral diseases. Pangolin hide is also used for making boots and other leather goods.

African tree pangolin populations are common, but declining, throughout their range. Overhunting and the clearing of the rainforest are seen as a problem for their long-term survival. They are considered near threatened by the IUCN and are on the CITES Appendix II list.

African tree pangolins are good swimmers and often fill their stomach with air before entering the water to aid in bouyancy. Natural enemies are leopards and pythons.