Habitat:
Pangolins, specialist feeders on ants and termites (Prater 1971; Roberts 1977; Tikader 1983; Heath and Vanderlip 1988), occupy forests, thick brush, and open or savannah country, and are largely solitary and nocturnal (Roberts 1977; Boonsong Lekagul and McNeely 1977; Davies and Payne 1982; Foenander 1953; Medway 1969; Medway 1977; Heath and Vanderlip 1988). Although data are limited, all Asian pangolins appear to be affected by loss of habitat due to expanding agriculture and other human uses.

M. crassicaudata occurs in forests, open land and grassland, and has been recorded near villages (Khan 1985, Zoological Survey of India 1994). This species excavates its own burrows, often under a large rock, and conceals the entrance of the burrow with loose earth, making detection difficult (Roberts 1977).

M. javanica occurs in a wide variety of habitats, including primary and secondary forest, and cleared and cultivated areas including gardens and rubber plantations (Boonsong Lekagul and McNeely 1977; Davies and Payne 1982; Foenander 1953; Medway 1969; Medway 1977; Zon 1977; Ban and Humphrey 1982). Although it is more often recorded in cultivated areas than forest, it is not clear whether M. javanica is more abundant in the former, or simply more often seen (Davies and Payne 1982).

M. pentadactyla is largely terrestrial, though is fully capable of climbing trees and, like other pangolins, swims well (Chao Jung-Tai 1989; Heath and Vanderlip 1988).   The species is found in a range of different habitats, including primary forest and bamboo forest, secondary forests and grasslands (Chao Jung-Tai 1989; Gurung 1996).  This species digs its own burrows, or enlarges passages made by termites (Allen and Coolidge 1940; Fang and Wang 1980 cited in Heath and Vanderlip 1988). yes">  Indications are that home ranges for this species are relatively large, although concrete data are lacking (Heath and Vanderlip 1988).  Allen and Coolidge (1940) noted that in China there appears to be a close correlation between the distribution of two termite species ( Coptotermes formosanus and Termes (Cyclotermes) formosanus) and that of M. pentadactyla; it is assumed that these form a major component of the pangolin's diet.

• Manis tetradactyla occurs in rain forests, especially flooded forests
• Manis tricuspis occurs in rain forests, especially secondary forest, where ants and termites common; also in plantations. Only in lowlands, not in mountains. Commonest pangolin of rain forest regions.
• Manis giganteaoccurs in forests and nearby savannahs in areas of good rainfall and high humidity and without long dry season. Swamps and moist river valleys are favourite areas in plains, hills and lower mountains.
• Manis temminckii occurs in dry bush country, especially regions with light sandy soil. 

A pangolin walking in a hardwood forest.

A pangolin digging into a termite mounds under a snag.

A resting chamber inside of pangolin burrow.

The entrance of pangolin burrow.

Cross section of a pangolin burrow.(Drawing by Xu, Wei)

Soil piled outside the entrance of a pangolin burrow.

Cross section of a pangolin burrow under a snag.

A pangolin was making a burrow.( Photo by Po-Jen Chiang)

A bamboo forest is one of the favorite habitat of Formosan pangolin.

Formosan pangolin is found in a range of secondary forests and grasslands.

Formosan pangolin is found in a range of primary forests.

Reference:

1. Haltenorth, T. and H. Diller. 1977. Mammals of Africa including Madagascar. Harper Collins Hong Kong. 134-137.
2. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. 2000. Amendments to Appendices I and II of CITES, Eleventh Meeting of the Conference of the Parties, Nairobi, Kenya.