Manis tricuspis
tree pangolin

African tree pangolins, Manis tricuspis, range across central Africa, from Senegal to Keyna in the east and northern Angola in the south. (Anderson, et al., 1967)

African tree pangolins inhabit primary tropical forests as well as mosaic forests. They are both arboreal, as their common name implies, as well as terrestrial. (Nowak, 1991; Nowak, 1991; Sinsin, 2008)

African tree pangolins are characterized by their eponymous scales, which terminate in three cusps. This scaly covering is found all over the body except on most of the face, the inside surface of the legs and the underbelly. Scale color ranges from dark brown to russet to a brownish yellow. They have an elongate skull and a long tongue that serves as their primary feeding tool. Their claws are large and curved, which assists them in their arboreal behavior and dietary habits. African tree pangolins express some sexual dimorphism, as males are slightly larger than females. They generally weigh between 4.5 and 14 kg and are 31 to 45 cm in length. Their average body temperature ranges from 32.6 to 33.6 ˚C. African tree pangolins are smaller than their cousin Manis gigantea, and their tails are thinner than those of most of their African and Asian counterparts. (Anderson, et al., 1967; Nowak, 1991; Rahm, 1956)

African tree pangolins are usually solitary, but they have been observed traveling in pairs. When a male comes across a female, mating occurs if the female is in estrus. Little else is known regarding the mating systems of African tree pangolins. (Anderson, et al., 1967; Nowak, 1991; Sinsin, 2008)

Although uncertain, it is believed that African tree pangolins can reproduce at any time of the year. Gestation lasts approximately 150 days. Females usually give birth to 1 infant, and,though uncommon, may produce two. Newborns weigh approximately 200 to 500 grams. Female African tree pangolins reach sexual maturity when they reach a length of approximately 810 mm. (Anderson, et al., 1967; Nowak, 1991)

Little information is known regarding parental investment of African tree pangolins. Mothers provide care for some duration of time, as infants ride on the back of their mother. For protection, the mother curls into a ball with the infant encompassed in the middle. (Anderson, et al., 1967; Nowak, 1991)

The lifespan of African tree pangolins is currently unknown. One individual in captivity is still alive after 13 years 6 months of age. (Nowak, 1991)

African tree pangolins are diurnal and solitary, although they sometimes pair with a partner. They spend time both on the ground and in trees. On the ground, they can exhibit both quadrupedal and bipedal locomotion. Their prehensile tail and claws help them to climb trees. (Doran and Allbrook, 1973; Nowak, 1991)

Home ranges of African tree pangolins vary in size and are different between sexes. Males generally inhabit a larger territory than females. (Anderson, et al., 1967; Sinsin, 2008)

African tree pangolins have poor vision, but they have an acute sense of smell. They can secrete pungent fluid from glands located near their anus. The use of this secretion is as yet unknown. (Anderson, et al., 1967; Doran and Allbrook, 1973; Rahm, 1956)

African tree pangolins are insectivorous, specializing on (ants and termites) as well as soft bodied invertebrates. Their tongue and face are well adapted to this insectivory; their elongated snout houses a muscular tongue that can be extended up to a third of their body length. They use their claws on their forelimbs to open an insect mound, and their tongue quickly darts in and out of the mound, collecting insects. African tree pangolins drink water in a similar manner. (Doran and Allbrook, 1973)

As a juvenile, infant African tree pangolins rely on the protective curling of their mothers around them to avoid predation. As an adult, they employ a similar strategy of curling up. They have also been known to escape into water to avoid predators. Predators include African golden cats and other felids. Humans also frequently hunt African tree pangolins. (Nowak, 1991; Rahm, 1956)

African tree pangolins eat a considerable amount of insects including ants and termites, and they also serve as prey to many felids. They act as host to ticks of the genus Amblyomma. (Anderson, et al., 1967)

African tree pangolins are hunted for their meat and scales. The scales are used to make boots and shoes and are also used as indigenous ornaments and in medicines. (Anderson, et al., 1967; Nowak, 1991)

There are no adverse effects of African tree pangolins on humans.

African tree pangolins are listed as near threatened by the IUCN and on Appendix II by CITES. They vary in number regionally, though overall numbers are decreasing. They are protected by many local governments, but indigenous groups still hunt them for their meat and scales. (Sinsin, 2008)

The fossil record does not clearly elucidate a phylogeny for African tree pangolins, Manis tricuspis, or the other members of the Order Pholidota. Traditionally, taxonomists thought they shared a close evolutionary affinity with the members of the Order Xenarthra, but this was due to superficial morphological similarities most likely due to convergence. Molecular work does not show a close relationship. It is believed that the Pholidotes are an old group that split at the early onset of mammalian evolution. (Emry, et al., 1993)