The long-tailed pangolin (Phataginus tetradactyla), the African black-bellied pangolin, or ipi
The long-tailed pangolin (Phataginus tetradactyla), also called the African black-bellied pangolin, or ipi, is a diurnal, arboreal pangolin species belonging to the family Manidae, in the order Pholidota. They feed on ants rather than termites. The common names for this species stem from physical characteristics, such as the extremely long tail or the dark hairs that cover the underside of their bodies and limbs. Pangolin comes from the Malay word pengguling, meaning "something that rolls up".
Distribution
The most arboreal of the African pangolin species. Widespread in equatorial Africa, from Senegal and Gambia to western Uganda and south to southwestern Angola. It inhabits humid tropical riparian forests and swamps, always near water. In Nigeria, it has been observed in secondary forests and farmland (agricultural land in former lowland rainforests).
Appearance
It has a long, sticky tail, which constitutes about 2/3 of the mammal's total length. With a body length of 35-40 cm, the lizard's tail can reach 60-70 cm. Thus, among all pangolin species, the long-tailed lizard has the largest tail and the shortest body. The tail has 46-47 vertebrae, which is also a record for a mammal.
Nutrition and reproduction
Feeds on ants, termites and other invertebrates. Pregnancy lasts about 140 days, after which females give birth to a single young.
Conservation status
Threatened by selective hunting for meat, medicinal and cultural use, although to a much lesser extent than Manis tricuspis or Smutsia gigantea. Present in many conservation areas (e.g. Ituri Nature Reserve).
