Pangolin / Cape Pangolin / Ground Pangolin / Steppe Pangolin (Manis temminckii (Smutsia temminckii))

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 0925713

This study is based on a 54 000 ha private game farm in the Kalahari Desert of South Africa. This region is very arid, receiving on average 260 mm of rain per annum. As a result the vegetation is predominantly grassland, with stands of stunted trees occurring in varying extents.

 

Ground pangolins are typically nocturnal and occur at low densities. This has resulted in very little previous work being done on this species. Those studies that have been done were based in moister areas of the sub-region, namely in Zimbabwe and the eastern lowveld of South Africa.

 

This then represents the first study of this engmatic species in an arid environment. We are specifically looking at the ecology and physiology of this species in this arid environment, and comparing these data with data from individuals from mesic environments. We are specifically looking at such topics, as home range size, habitat use, diet, body temperature and metabolic rates. Another important aspect that we are investigating are causes of mortalies - and ways in which to reduce or completely remve these threats. These data will form part of a conservation strategy for this species.