The lifespan of a pangolin can vary depending on the species and their environment. In general, pangolins have a lifespan of around 10 to 20 years in the wild. However, their lifespans can be influenced by factors such as predation, habitat, and human activity.
For example, the ground pangolin (Smutsia temminckii) has an estimated lifespan of about 20 years in the wild. In contrast, the tree pangolin (Manis tricuspis) typically lives for around 10 to 15 years. These lifespans are influenced by their natural predators, such as large carnivores and humans, as well as the availability of their primary food source, ants and termites.
Pangolins are currently facing threats from illegal wildlife trade, habitat destruction, and poaching, which can significantly impact their lifespans and overall survival as a species. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these unique creatures and their habitats.