Black-bellied pangolin
Phataginus tetradactyla
The black-bellied pangolin has large scales which are often a rich ochre colour with dark borders. The skin is black, contrasting with the ochre scales and resulting in this species arguably being the most beautiful pangolin species. This is the smallest (in body size) of the species of African pangolin, with individuals averaging 85–110 cm in length and weighing up to 3.5 kg (although usually weighing 1–2 kg). The tail can measure up to 60 cm long. It is readily identifiable by its small body size and very long tail. This species is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with a population that is believed to be decreasing.
Ecology
Very little is known about this rare pangolin species. It is virtually entirely arboreal and diurnal - with individuals resting in tree hollows and dense foliage at night - and is probably the most habitat-specific of the four African pangolin species. black-bellied pangolins are often found in tropical riverine and swamp forests usually close to water, but occasionally found in tropical lowland forests away from water. Although almost strictly arboreal it may become semi-aquatic, especially where it occurs alongside the white-bellied pangolin.
Reproduction
Virtually nothing is known of the breeding biology of this species. Females have been recorded giving birth to a single pup after a gestation period of 140 days, and probably give birth to a single pup each year.
Diet
The black-bellied pangolin is believed to be strictly myrmecophagous (ant- and termite-eating), possibly specialising on arboreal ant species. The exact species that it preys on have not been recorded yet.
Range
This species is patchily distributed in Central and West Africa, occurring from Sierra Leone to Ghana, with an apparent gap in its distribution before it reappears in Central Africa, where it occurs from Nigeria to eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo