Just under a year ago, I wrote an article on a once-in-a-lifetime sighting of Pangolins mating. It was a sighting that I certainly wasn’t expecting and don’t expect to ever see again…
Trevor crouching near to the mating pair of pangolins
In this previous blog, I touched on the fact that seeing pangolins in the wild is an incredibly rare experience mainly due to their reclusive, nocturnal habits and endangered status. I remember at this point last year having seen more pangolins than usual on the reserve during that period of time and it got me thinking, Was it just a coincidence? There were several different sightings of pangolins on the reserve over a short space of time.
This truly was a once-in-a-lifetime sighting. No words could aptly describe the significance of this occurrence
From the 9th until the 15th of August this year, five different pangolins were seen on the reserve. Coincidence? I think not. With the grass and general vegetation being sparse at this time of year in late winter/early spring, the likelihood of seeing these scaly mammals increases significantly. This, along with the fact that their hours of activity are extended due to the cooler weather and slight uptick in termite activity (that form a large portion of their diet), means that the best viewing of pangolins in this region tends to be in the months of August and September.
Kate and Equaliser enjoy the company of one pangolin out in the open.
It’s winter time and that means there’s a much higher chance of us finding these incredibly elusive, secretive mammals.
This image was from a while ago when the Tortoise Pan Male attempted to chew on a pangolin. Highlighting how effective the protective scales are at deterring the threat.
The quality of these sightings was also worth noting. Due to their shy demeanour, pangolins will usually roll into a tight ball when feeling unnerved, and the fact that they have only encountered people and vehicles a handful of times results in them generally either curling up into this ball or walking into a dense shrub to avoid being seen. Here is a video of one of these pangolins walking out into the open, and even walking right next to a guest standing in the road!
View this post on Instagram
As jaw-dropping as this encounter was, a sighting of another individual had a certain significance to it. On the basis of size, this pangolin was certainly a sub-adult. I then did the maths and figured that after a gestation period of between 3.5 – 5 months, the pangopup resulting from the mating pair we saw in September last year would have been born around January 2023.
This is highly unlikely to be the same female but still a memorable sighting of this Mother Pangolin and her pup, a bucket list tick for many guides here at Londolozi and a picture I very much doubt i will ever get to capture again.
It then would have stayed with the mother for roughly another 4-5 months, taking us to May/June 2023 at which stage he/she would have dispersed from its parent’s territory. Due to the proximity of this young pangolin relative to where we saw the mating pair, I inferred that there was indeed an extremely high chance that it was the product of the spectacle we witnessed last year.
It’s refreshing to know that a species so threatened and sought after in illegal trades is successfully breeding at Londolozi and that their population seems to be stable.
Incredible! We were there last year for the mating pangolin sighting and the single sighting two days later. And yet again this year were the two sightings alongside the road August 7 & 15. So exciting to see these resilient creatures!
I honestly had the best imaginable time at Londolozi for more than a week with incredible sightings.
But seeing a pangolin, though very high on my bucket list, has not been among them.
Maybe next time. One never knows.
Anyway the photos are great and the video of the pangolin walking right into one guest is just fabulous.
Robbie, We felt very lucky to see a pangolin on our recent visit as we know how rare that is! Your predicting of sightings during this period makes sense and maybe the sightings are a sign that more sightings in that area of Londolozi might increase. We can tell you that the pangolin jewelry in the boutique sold out quickly to the guests who saw one!
Good Stuff Robert. Incredible picture of a Mother and her Pup. After all who doesn’t want to live at Londolozi. I know I would
Extraordinary! And it’s good to see at least one species not being crushed by the climate emergency!
Robert, thank you for the update on the pangolins. One of natures unusual creatures adapted for survival of millennium .
Wonderful sightings of this rare and gentle creature
Robbie that is so beautiful to see them thriving at Londolozi. The video is incredible to watch and the photo of the mother and pup is precious and priceless. Anyone seeing seeing these illusive animals are absolutely lucky and privileged.
This is such a cool development Robert! I remember the sighting of the two pangolins mating last year, and great to see that you have now likely encountered their offspring! Looking forward to more sightings and information of these very cool, but reclusive creatures!!
Such exciting news Robbie about the Pangolin sightings. For such a unique and endangered animal, a sighting is truly at the top of any safari guest. Whilst not in Londolozi this past April, I finally filled my bucket with sightings of both a Pangolin and Aardvark. Just goes to show that patience can yield amazing results. Terrific images by you and fellow rangers!
I thought seeing bush babies, chameleons, and a dung beatle last September was darn fantastic but these, pangolins, have me yearning to get back to Londolozi.