Standerton-residents requested to get involved with conservation
Four species are found in Africa and the ground pangolin (smutsia temminckii) has a vulnerable status.
African Pangolins. also called scale anteaters, are estimated to have been around for more than 40 million years.
Known in Afrikaans as the ietermagog, they are covered with protective horny, overlapping scales.
They have adapted themselves to a changing environment to survive.
According to the Edelvalk-branch of the South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association, they are most trafficked mammal in the world.
Their scales and body parts are revered in Eastern-medicine and their meat regarded as a delicacy.
Pangolins mostly feed on ants and termites and one, adult pangolin can eat 70 million insects annually.
Four species are found in Africa and the ground pangolin (smutsia temminckii) has a vulnerable status.
For protection, pangolins rely on their ability to roll themselves into a ball.
Infant pangolins ride on the backs of their mothers.
Anyone who would like to get involved in securing a future for pangolins, can call Ms Helen Ellis on 083 406 0589.
Information Supplied: www.pangolin.africa
