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Paramanis culionensis
The scaly anteater, pangolin or balintong in Tagalog, could attain a length of two and a half feet, its tail length about a foot long. It is covered by broad, horny, and tough overlapping scales protecting the dorsal portion of its neck, the body and all over the tail. The ventral or abdominal portion is relatively unprotected but finds protection when the animal curls itself tightly. It has a long, pig like snout that seems to hiss while looking for termite mounds. Since it feeds principally on termites, it has no teeth and has to rely on its long sticky tongue to feed. Its eyes are small, followed closely posteriorly by its small ears with raised skin fold. It is generally pale yellowish white in color while the scales are translucent. It has a distinct, pungent, smell.
The scaly anteater inhabit areas where termites abound, such as those grown with “inyam” (Antidesma ghaesembilla) and “bangkal” (Nauclea orientalis), woody trees susceptible to termite attack. They are also spotted in forest patches close to open areas.
This little guy was brought to me by a villager here in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. It's mother was eaten by the villagers but the young one was too small. I have a small animal habitat on our property for injured wild life. We have been giving this little guy termites and ants..which it has been eating..also some non lactose infant formula with anay and ants whizzed in. So far it's doing well. We wrap it in a blanket with a warm water bottle because I read where it clings to the mother for up to 4 months as suckles as long.
Spotted on Apr 9, 2013
Submitted on Apr 9, 2013
18 Comments
So sad about this little one's mum too. Amazing animal.
I am Rajesh K. Mohapatra working on Indian pangolins for my PhD. I wish to use your photograph for academic purpose with your due permission and photo credit. Please let me know your willingness.
What a beautiful series! Happy World Pangolin Day 2014!
Nice you take care of this pangolin as well! I hope he can be safe from poaching when back in the wild!
Glad you get to take care of this beautiful pangolin Diana; your action is very nice and important. =)
PCSD - 434-4234, 434-4235 look for any staff at EPRD (division) or EZMED (division).
DENR - 433-5638 / 433-5639 (look for Vivian Soriano)
PWRCC - 09207733729 (look for Salvador Guion)
MackyDelaCruz if you have a phone number of one of the people you know, please pass it on.
you're right with that RAAB. i totally agree with you with that, generally. but i know few people from PCSD, DENR, and PWRCC in palawan that REALLY cares for these animals and the environment.
Diana, if haven't, you might want to give a ring in any of these offices so that they can help you with that pangolin.
RAAB, I fear you are right.
Cool spotting!
Hi,
all good advice, but the reality of the situation is such that the government agencies in the philippines , like the DENR are staffed with bureaucrats and people who have no knowledge or, any interest in protecting the environment. there are there for the salary.
I feel sad for Palawan. we will lose something even before we know what is truly there.
Hi diana,
Thanks for sharing it. You may report the incident to PCSD to determine what actions can be done (they are the implementing agency for Wildlife Act in Palawan). And you may also want to turn-over this juvenile to PWRCC (or let the PCSD staffs do this for you). They have a vetenerarian there to look after this animal. They may not be specialized in this kind of mammal, but they are (i think) the best place for turn-over of rescued animals.
The Palawan pangolin or scaly anteater is a fast disappearing endemic mammal species of Palawan, an island province of the Philippines. Its defensive behavior of curling itself into a ball when threatened is no match for illegal hunters who value it for its meat and as a traditional aphrodisiac.
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Hi Diana, you should try to get this baby to a rehabilitator. I don't know if any are in your area but it is your best bet to get this little guy to someone who has experience with them.
Maybe one of these facilities can help or maybe the know of someone who can:
http://www.pcsd.ph/protected_areas/calau...
http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?ti...
Good luck!
thank you for taking care of him. Sad that his mother was eaten :(
This little guy was brought to me by a villager here in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. It's mother was eaten by the villages but the young one was too small. I have a small animal habitat on our property for injured wild life.
So where did you spot it? How did you obtain it?
Can someone give her advice?