At a glance
- IUCN category
- EN · Endangered
- Animal group
- Mammals
- Population trend
- Decreasing
- Last verified
Conservation overview
The giant ground pangolin is the largest of all pangolins, a scale-covered, ant- and termite-eating mammal of Africa. It is assessed as Endangered.
Like all pangolins it rolls into an armoured ball when threatened and is heavily trafficked.
Range & habitat
Forests and savannas of central and western Africa.
Major threats
Threats below are drawn from the authoritative sources listed on this page. For the current, complete assessment, see the IUCN Red List.
- Poaching and trafficking for scales and meat
- Habitat loss
Why it matters
The biggest pangolin and, like its relatives, a major target of trafficking, the giant ground pangolin is a flagship against the illegal wildlife trade.
Sources
Sources for Giant Ground Pangolin
- IUCN Red List — look up Giant Ground Pangolin (authoritative status)
- Animal Diversity Web
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is the giant ground pangolin?
It is the largest pangolin species, substantially bigger than the others, though still a shy, slow-moving insect-eater.
Why is the giant ground pangolin Endangered?
Published assessments cite poaching and trafficking for scales and meat, alongside habitat loss. Pangolins are among the most trafficked wild mammals. See the IUCN Red List.
Last updated: