Pangolin Relocation

18 December 2018
Bears & Nocturnal Animals

It’s not every day that we cross paths with a pangolin! A farmer found this sweet pangolin on his plantation very far from any natural habitat. His friend wanted to buy it off him so we are very glad that he came to WFFT instead!

The nocturnal and shy pangolin was hiding in the cupholder of the farmer’s truck so we gently coaxed it out. Pangolins are delicate creatures, picky eaters, and often fatally stressed in captivity. After a brief exam, it was determined to be healthy and ready for a prompt release in a more appropriate and safe environment.

We reached out to Kaeng Krachan National Park and with their cooperation and assistance, a release site was selected. We met up with several rangers as well as Mr. Mana Phuemphun, who is head of Kaeng Krachan, one of the most pristine rain forests in SE Asia and Thailand’s biggest national park.

The pangolin was a little sleepy upon release and after scoping out its idyllic new home, it curled up for a nap in the safe undergrowth of a lush forest next to a small pond.

The pangolin is the most trafficked mammal in the world. It is traded mostly for its meat and the scales are used in Chinese medicine. It gets its name from the Malay word “pengguling” which means “rolling up”. Did you know that the pangolin tongue is longer than their whole body when fully extended? It attaches not in the mouth but at the base of the ribcage!