PANGOLIN

The Pangolin (Manis Gigantea), also called the Scaly Anteater, is a mammal. The name, pangolin, comes from the Malay word, pengguling, which means “something that rolls up”.They have large, hard scales that cover their entire bodies, short legs and big claws for digging burrows and other holes. They are able to curl up into a ball when threatened or frightened and their scales act as armour. Pangolins are hunted and eaten in certain parts of Africa.

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Facts

• African Pangolins only give birth to a single offspring at one time
• In China, Pangolin is considered a delicacy meat
• They curl up in a ball when they sleep and are nocturnal

Taxidermy

Thorough preparation is the key factor to ensuring a high-quality final product. All hides are tanned and oiled using the world’s very best available chemicals and processes to ensure permanence and longevity.Forms are selected to ensure the best fit and posture will be altered to suit you, the client’s preference without additional cost. Natural habitat bases are custom-made for full mount trophies without additional cost.Only the finest materials and 40 years of professional experience are used in defining your trophies in a whole new way. The final trophies are almost Life-Formed. When the restoration is required, every effort is made to repair cuts and abrasions, and to minimise bullet damage. Natural scarring is kept unless otherwise requested.

Habitat

They are generally located in central and southern parts of Africa including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Sudan and Ethiopia. They are able to adapt to various habitats from forests to grasslands to deserts.Pangolins don’t have teeth at all or the ability to chew. They tear up anthills or termite mounds with their claws and use their long, sticky tongues to capture and eat the insects.

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Professional Pangolin Taxidermy

 

The Pangolin, sometimes known as the scaly anteater, is a peculiar animal with a thick, overlapping coat of horny scales for protection. Named after the Malay verb pengguling, which means “to roll up,” the pangolin’s name is etymologically rich. In this context, “rolling up” refers to the animal’s defensive posture. Safari goers rarely see pangolins despite the fact that they are a sought-after animal.

Four species of pangolins are found in Africa, while four are found in Asia. Each of these eight species is in danger of going extinct; all eight are classified as Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

The Chinese Pangolin, the Sunda Pangolin and the Philippine Pangolin are critically endangered. The Indian Pangolin. the Tree Pangolin and the Long-Tailed Pangolin is vulnerable. The Giant Pangolin and the Cape Pangolin are both vulnerable species.

The Pangolin has overtaken the chimpanzee as the most frequently traded mammal. There is an urgent need to save the Pangolin before it becomes extinct due to the high demand for its scales and meat, particularly in the Asian market.

Ants and termites, which Pangolins collect from the ground or from trees, make up the bulk of their diet. Crawling Pangolins have the ability to dig insects out of mounds. They lack teeth, so they catch prey with their extraordinarily long tongues. The large salivary glands on the tongue secrete a sticky mucus that attracts insects. Their stomach has a grinding mechanism that helps them digest tough foods.

The Pangolin’s ability to roll into a ball serves as a defence mechanism. This is accomplished effectively for protection in the wild, as it requires tremendous force to unroll them. Its armoured scales protect them from harm, and the cutting action of their scales, powered by strong muscles, can inflict severe wounds on anything that manages to wedge itself between them.

 

Hunting Pangolin

Hunting Pangolins is forbidden in South Africa. According to the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, (NEMA) it is illegal to hunt, trade, or even be in possession of a Pangolin in South Africa without a special permit. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species ( (CITES) of Wild Fauna and Flora also forbids the commercialisation of Pangolins and their products. Pangolins are still illegally hunted and traded for their meat and scales. These parts are used in traditional medicine and even sold as a delicacy in some countries.

Although the illegal wildlife trade is a highly lucrative criminal industry, only recently has there been a push to investigate and better comprehend the underlying financial flows.

South Africa’s wildlife and animal goods, particularly those made from the Rhino, Elephant, and Pangolin, are in high demand around the world, notably in China and other Asian countries.

Organised crime groups have set up a complex distribution network for the trafficking of illegal wildlife items from their initial point of origin to the final destination with the consumer. The demand for these products ultimately fuels criminal activity and associated pricing, therefore the consumer is the key enabler of the entire supply chain.

 

What is Pangolin Taxidermy?

Without the correct paperwork and permissions, taxidermying a Pangolin is unlawful in South Africa. For reasons of science, education, or culture, only those who have a permission issued by NEMA may legally own Pangolins or any derivatives or parts thereof. The only people who can legally request for and receive permission to taxidermy Pangolins for educational or scientific purposes are recognised organisations like museums and research centres. The general public is not allowed to obtain a permit to taxidermy a Pangolin for personal use or display. Pangolins are a vulnerable species and are given high conservation priority to avoid extinction.

 

Skin Preparation for a Flawless Pangolin Taxidermy

As with most other animals, it is crucial not to drag the Pangolin at any time. It should be skinned as soon as possible. Salted for 24 hours and then left to dry.

Use untreated lumber to build the drying racks. You should never use creosoted or tar-treated wood. It is vital that no nails or bolts come into touch with the skulls, as rust stains can be difficult to remove. After the skin has dried, fold it up, keeping the hair and ears inside, and put it somewhere out of direct sunlight.

 

The Pangolin Taxidermy Process and Methods

Life-Form Taxidermy assures a precise reproduction of the animal specified by the client. We have comprehensive discussions to reach client objectives, and the Pangolin taxidermy will be done with the highest care, once all of the necessary permits have been received.

For maximum durability, the skins are oiled and tanned using only the finest chemical ingredients and techniques. All potential skins are tried on manikins to ensure a snug fit. Our full mount trophies all come with free, custom bases designed to look like the habitat in which the animal was first found.

Scars will stay in the same places they were when they were first made unless otherwise stated. Once the eyes and ears have been positioned correctly, a professional will stitch the skin closed.

 

Taking Care of The Pangolin Trophy

There are a few things that can be done to maintain a Pangolin mount for as long as possible.

In order to prevent the skin from fading and cracking, store the mount in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. The skin can get damaged and mould can grow if the mount is exposed to high humidity or dampness.

Dust the mount frequently with a soft, dry cloth to avoid buildup of dirt and debris. We recommend and sell Medix Africa, a product that has served us well. The oils and sweat on your skin can damage the mount’s surface and speed up the decaying process, so gloves or something else should be used.

In the event of any damage to the mount, such as skin tears or punctures, it is recommended that you seek the help of a professional taxidermist.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How Much does a Pangolin Trophy Cost?

The total price will depend on a number if issues and we will be happy to quote, subject to the approval of the necessary permits.

How Long does a Pangolin Trophy Take?

The timeline can be anywhere from two to 18 months.

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