Manis pentadactyla pentadactyla

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : Chinese pangolin
French : Pangolin de Chine

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Pholidota
Family : Manidae
Notes : 2 other subspecies known.

Identification
Body length to 58 cm, tail length to 38 cm, weight up to 7 kg. Shorter rostrum than for M. javanica, with often clearer coloration. Rounded scales, usually blackish-brown to dark brown-olive. Clear hairs on belly and inner legs.

Range and habitat
The species occurs from Nepal and north Myanmar to north Vietnam, Hainan, Taiwan and most of China. Subspecies endemic to Taiwan. Lives in primary and secondary forests, grasslands, with undergrowth vegetation.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
CITES : Appendix I
Status : The species has been driven to extinction in most of its range because of unsustainable hunting. Its scales are highly prized in Chinese medicine.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

Back to “Other Hoofed Mammals & Sirenians” page