Whispers on the ground: The enigmatic Temminck’s ground pangolin

Every once in a while, the African bush rewards our quiet patience with a sighting so rare and extraordinary that even the most seasoned guides are left breathless. One such treasure is the Temminck’s ground pangolin, a shy, nocturnal creature so elusive that many wildlife professionals can go decades without encountering one. Yet when we do, it becomes the story of the season.

The Temminck’s ground pangolin (Smutsia temminckii) is one of four pangolin species found in Africa, and the only one adapted to terrestrial life in the savannas and woodlands of southern and eastern Africa. Covered head to tail in overlapping keratin scales, akin to a walking pinecone, it looks more like a creature from myth than reality. Weighing between 5 and 15 kilograms, this nocturnal mammal moves with a curious, almost comical gait, balancing on its hind legs and tail while foraging. It uses its long, sticky tongue, sometimes longer than its body, to probe termite mounds and ant nests, consuming thousands of insects in a single night. Though often mistaken for reptiles due to their scaly armour, pangolins are mammals, more closely related to carnivores like cats and dogs than to any lizard.

Despite its secretive habits, the Temminck’s pangolin plays a vital ecological role. As an insectivore, it helps regulate ant and termite populations, which can otherwise cause significant damage to trees and soil structure. By burrowing into termite mounds, pangolins also assist in aerating the soil, promoting nutrient cycling and creating shelter opportunities for other species like mongooses and warthogs. In essence, pangolins are quiet custodians of the ecosystem, performing crucial services that support the health of the savanna without ever drawing attention to themselves.

To see a Temminck’s ground pangolin in the wild is to witness one of Africa’s greatest natural marvels. They are solitary, secretive, and mostly nocturnal, spending daylight hours tucked away in burrows or termite mounds. Their camouflage and discreet behaviour make them nearly invisible to the untrained eye. When one does emerge from the darkness and shuffles across a road or through the undergrowth, the entire tone of a game drive changes. Guests fall silent. Radios crackle with astonishment. Cameras click, but only after a moment of awe-struck stillness. These sightings are not just rare; they are profoundly moving, often referred to as “lifetime moments” by guests and guides alike. Adding to their mystique is the unfortunate fact that pangolins are among the most trafficked mammals in the world, hunted for their scales and meat. As such, every sighting here at Singita is also a powerful reminder of our conservation responsibilities.

In a landscape teeming with iconic wildlife, from elephants to lions, it’s easy to overlook the quiet creatures of the night. But the Temminck’s ground pangolin reminds us that some of the greatest wonders of the bush are not loud or large, but subtle, secret, and sacred. Here at Singita Kruger National Park, we have been privileged to share two sightings in the last two months of these rare animals with guests who truly appreciate the magic of the untamed. Should you ever be lucky enough to glimpse one, know that you have witnessed something truly special, one of the last, living legends of Africa.