What is the only living pangolin species native to southern Africa?

Temminck’s pangolin is the only living pangolin species native to southern Africa.

Also called the Cape pangolin, Temminck’s pangolin occurs in parts of eastern and southern Africa, including savanna and woodland habitats. Its body is covered in overlapping keratin scales, and it has no teeth. Instead, it uses a long, sticky tongue to collect ants and termites.

When threatened, the pangolin curls into a tight ball, presenting its hard scales to a predator. Powerful muscles control the scales, while the animal’s soft underside remains protected inside the defensive posture. Young pangolins may travel on their mother’s back or tail.

Pangolins are often confused with armadillos because both have protective coverings, but they are not close relatives. Pangolins are the only living mammals in the order Pholidota. Illegal wildlife trade is a major threat to this species and to pangolins worldwide.