Order Pholidota Higher classification Manis | Phylum Chordata Family Manidae Scientific name Manis culionensis Rank Species | |
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Similar Pangolins, Long‑tailed pangolin, Indian pangolin, Chinese pangolin, Giant pangolin | ||
The Philippine pangolin or Palawan pangolin, also known as the balintong (Manis culionensis), is a pangolin species endemic to the Palawan province of the Philippines. Its habitat includes primary and secondary forests, as well as surrounding grasslands. This species is moderately common within its limited range, but is at risk due to heavy hunting because of its valued scales and meat. This species is distinguished from the closely related Sunda pangolin by its smaller body-to-tail ratio, smaller scales, and a shorter head.
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Taxonomy
The species was first described by Casto de Elera in 1885; it was also mentioned by de Elera in an 1895 work. In the past, this species has been included with the Sunda pangolin, Manis javanica, but has been considered a distinct species since 1998. Five distinct morphological characteristics involving the skull and the scales have been identified which separate it from the closely related M. javanica. Both M. javanica and M. culionensis are grouped in subgenus Paramanis. Genetic isolation leading to the speciation between these species is hypothesized to have been caused by rising sea levels severing a land bridge from Borneo in the Early Pleistocene.
Diet
The Philippine pangolin is a myrmecophage, so has a diet consisting mainly of ants and termites. It uses its long tongue with a coating of adhesive saliva to harvest insects. Pangolins have no teeth and consume sand and small stones to help grind food in their stomachs.
Behavior
The Philippine pangolin is nocturnal and reclusive and tends to be solitary. While some of their time is spent on the ground foraging, Philippine pangolins tend to stay in trees. When threatened, they, like all pangolins, roll into a ball and rely on the protection provided by their scales.
Reproduction
While little is known about the reproduction of Philippine pangolins, their mating habits are thought to be similar to those of the Sunda pangolin. Like most pangolins, Philippine pangolins mate in the spring. The young are born after a gestation period around 18 weeks and are suckled by their mothers about four months.