Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat

Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.

Indian pangolin

Scientific name: Manis crassicaudata


Indian pangolin

IUCN Status: Endangered

Family: MAMMIFÈRES

Group: Säugetiere

Shyness: Very shy

Safe distance: 20 m

Breeding season / Courtship: Toute l'année

Gestation: 65–75 jours

Births: 01.06-31.07


Habitat:
Forests, scrublands and agricultural areas

Description:
The Indian pangolin is a nocturnal insectivorous mammal, 40–65 cm excluding tail, covered in brown keratinous scales with a long prehensile tail. It inhabits forests, scrublands, and agricultural areas of India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, feeding primarily on ants and termites with its long sticky tongue. Largely solitary, it digs shallow burrows or shelters in abandoned termite mounds.

Recommended lens:
>=300 mm

Photography tips:
Photograph the Indian pangolin from a distance using a telephoto lens of ≥300 mm at dusk or dawn from a low hide near the ground. Use a fast shutter speed to freeze its slow movements and shallow depth of field to isolate its scales against the environment. Remain silent and patient.

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