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SPECIES PROFILE
Malayan Pangolin (Manis javanica)
Manis
IUCN STATUS
Critically Endangered
CONSERVATION STATUS
Critically Endangered
CLASS
Mammalia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Peninsular Malaysia, East Malaysia
DIET
Insectivorous
HABITAT
Forests, plantations
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Mammalia
ORDER
Pholidota
FAMILY
Manidae
GENUS
Manis
📋 Description
SIZE
40-65 cm (body), 2-7 kg
COLORATION
Brown scales, pale underbelly
ADAPTATIONS
Scales for protection; long tongue for feeding
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Forests, plantations
DIET
Insectivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Peninsular Malaysia, East Malaysia
REPRODUCTION
Gestation 120-180 days, 1 young
DIET DETAILS
Ants, termites
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Poaching for scales, habitat loss
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Armored Foragers: Pangolins' keratin scales form an impenetrable shield, allowing them to curl into a ball that even leopards can't breach. This defense, paired with a 40 cm sticky tongue, lets them safely raid ant nests, consuming up to 70 million insects yearly.
2
Ecological Allies: By controlling ant and termite populations, pangolins prevent crop damage and enrich soils with their digging, benefiting Malaysia's forests and plantations. Their solitary, nocturnal habits make them elusive, yet their ecological role is critical to ecosystem health.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Taman Negara National Park
Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary
Royal Belum State Park
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Join night walks with guides to spot pangolins foraging.
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
April-October. Dry season enhances visibility in forests for nocturnal pangolins.
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