Habitat:
Tropical forests, wooded savannas

Activity period :
Mainly active at night, generally discreet during the day.

Identification and description:
The tree pangolin, or Manis tricuspis, is a medium-sized, nocturnal insectivorous mammal found in the tropical forests of Central and West Africa. It is easily recognizable by its protective scales made of keratin, the same substance as human nails. This pangolin is an agile climber, using its prehensile tail to navigate trees in search of ants and termites, its primary food source. Unfortunately, it is threatened by poaching for its meat and scales, which are highly valued in traditional medicine. Conservation efforts are crucial to maintaining the ecological balance of its natural habitat.

Recommended lens:
400 mm – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.

Photography tips:
To photograph the tree pangolin, it is essential to remain discreet and maintain a safe distance of at least 10 meters. Use a telephoto lens of 400mm or more to capture detailed images without disturbing the animal. Focus on nighttime hours, as the pangolin is primarily active at night. Be patient and wait for it to move slowly through the trees to get unique shots. Ensure you use a tripod to stabilize your camera in the low-light conditions of the rainforest.