Words – Lorraine Ratcliffe
Pics – Neil Ratcliffe / andBeyond
Today, we were incredibly lucky to have the rare and special opportunity to join a researcher from the specialist conservation team at Phinda Game Reserve as they located one of the pangolins reintroduced to the reserve.
This was a rare window into the world of these shy, elusive, and critically threatened mammals—allowing us to observe their unique features and adaptations firsthand as the researcher conducted a health check and downloaded data from the UHF tag attached to the pangolin.
As with any wild animal sighting, it could be short, long, or non-existent and we had no idea what to expect. So when our ranger called at 2:30 p.m., urging us to leave immediately because the pangolin had been located, we leapt into action.
Twenty minutes later, after a bumpy ride through the reserve, we arrived. The researcher, wearing radar monitoring equipment, looked like a ghostbuster—fully geared up and focused on tracking the pangolin. The excitement was palpable.
Three years ago, I had never even heard of a pangolin, let alone known what one looked like. It wasn’t until I saw a news article on TV about their near extinction due to poaching—both for their scales, falsely believed to have medicinal properties, and for their meat—that I became aware of their plight. I was both saddened and horrified. So, when I had the chance to support this research and see one in person, I jumped at it.
Meeting the research team, we were introduced to Boots, a female pangolin.
The first thing that struck me was her tail—wide, rounded, and solid, almost chunky, about 50 cm long. It acts as a counterbalance when she walks on her hind legs, which resemble mini elephant legs with perfectly round bases. I had assumed pangolins were related to anteaters or porcupines, but surprisingly, they are more closely related to domestic cats. And despite their scaly appearance, they are mammals, not reptiles. A mammal with scales? It sounds unbelievable, but it’s real—and absolutely fascinating.
We watched quietly as Boots snuffled through the grass and dirt, burying her head into the soil in search of ants. After foraging, she found a sunny spot at the base of a tree and rolled onto her back like a puppy asking for a tummy rub. Her belly was soft, dark brown skin, and the temptation to stroke her was enormous—but I resisted. The researcher explained that Boots was very relaxed and didn’t feel threatened by our presence, which was both reassuring and concerning. Given that she had been poached, rescued, and rehabilitated, it was worrying that she was still so trusting.
After about half an hour, the researcher picked her up carefully, supporting her belly while avoiding her sharp scales. She then asked me to help place Boots in a bag for weighing. It felt awkward, and I worried about her past trauma, but I reminded myself that she was used to this process. Our ranger held the scale as we gently lowered her in—she weighed 11.7 kg, much heavier than I expected! We carefully removed her and released her, allowing her to return to her burrow or continue foraging. It was incredible to be part of this hands-on conservation effort and witness such a rare and special moment.
Boots got her name because she was found in the boot of a car.
She has been at Phinda for just over two years and, in that time, has had two babies—one about 18 months ago and another just a few months old, safely tucked away in their burrow. Boots has one mate, and researchers believe he fathered both offspring. He doesn’t share a burrow with Boots but visits her from time to time. Her firstborn no longer lives with her. After leaving the burrow, he was found far away on the other side of the reserve. Researchers are still learning about pangolin behaviour, and Boots and her offspring are providing valuable insights.
This was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I felt privileged to witness and support this important research. I can’t wait to learn more about these elusive, shy, sensitive, and wonderfully strange creatures when the research is published.
This groundbreaking project, in partnership with the African Pangolin Working Group, is the first of its kind for pangolins worldwide. The research findings will be crucial to the long-term survival of these fascinating creatures—the world’s most trafficked mammal. By participating in this monitoring experience, we were able to support the researchers in their mission to re-establish Temminck’s ground pangolin in a region where they had been locally extinct for decades.
Essentials:
Getting there – an easy 3-4 hour drive from King Shaka International Airport or fly directly with Federal Air from Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport
Where to Stay – andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve – choice of six lodges www.andbeyond.com
Book your Pangolin Conservation Experience https://www.andbeyond.com/experiences/africa/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/phinda-private-game-reserve/pangolin-conservation-experience/ )