Why This Prehistoric-Looking Animal Sometimes Walks on Two Legs

There’s unique, and then there’s the pangolin. These incredible creatures resemble something from prehistoric times with their protective suit of armor. However, it isn’t just how they look that sets them apart from other animals — it’s the way they move, too.

Unlike most animals that walk on all four legs, some pangolin species have the ability to walk on their hind limbs for short periods of time.

This YouTube video showcases the animal’s movement technique as it steadies itself on its back legs and uses its tail for balance. While it may seem like a simple task, very few quadruped animals actually have the capability to pull off such a feat.

In the sections below, we’ll explore how pangolins travel, when they might walk on two legs, and how their distinctive anatomy allows for multiple modes of motion.

How Do Pangolins Move?

Even though they have the capability of bipedal movement, most pangolins prefer to walk on all fours. However, pangolins don’t walk in the traditional sense like other four-legged creatures. Instead of using the flat part of their front feet, they walk on their knuckles. Admittedly, it might look awkward to onlookers, but it serves as a way to protect their claws from damage while crossing rough terrain.

Do Pangolins Ever Run?

Since pangolins aren’t speedy, they rarely attempt to flee when threatened. Instead, they are more likely to curl into a tight ball, using their tough keratin scales as a natural defense against most predators.

Understanding Pangolin Bipedal Movement

While the two-legged movements of pangolins have caught the attention of people around the globe, these creatures still prefer to move on all fours. Although there are several instances when bipedal movement provides an advantage for these animals.

Occasional Upright Movement

The documented cases of pangolins walking upright usually take place over short distances and often involve one of the following scenarios:

• Navigating uneven ground
• Carrying food
• Surveying its surroundings

Although the bipedal movements of the animal may appear natural, they are slow and measured, designed to provide optimal balance and control.  

Balancing with the Tail

One of the most important aspects of the pangolin’s ability to walk on two legs is its thick, muscular tail. The tail acts as a counterweight, helping the pangolin stay upright and stable while it lifts its front limbs off the ground. 

While the tail is helpful in transitioning from quadrupedal to bipedal movement, it’s also an amazing tool for climbing and defense. 

Why Don’t Pangolins Always Walk Upright?

Though it may look extraordinary, bipedal movement isn’t optimal for pangolins over long distances. Their bodies are naturally low to the ground and feature heavily armored keratin scales that weigh them down, making knuckle-walking the most energy-efficient way to travel.

Built for Digging, Not Running

A pangolin’s anatomy is fine-tuned for digging and climbing, not sprinting or navigating long distances upright. Their forelimbs are strong but not flexible enough for fluid upright movement, and their heavy scales add bulk that is better supported by four limbs than two.

Claw Protection

Pangolin claws are crucial for survival, enabling them to tear into termite nests and defend themselves against threats. Walking on their knuckles allows them to preserve the sharpness and strength of their claws, which could otherwise wear down quickly if used for support.

Do All Pangolin Species Move the Same Way?

While there are only eight species of pangolins, four in Africa and four in Asia, their movement patterns vary depending on whether they live on the ground or in trees. 

Ground Pangolins

Species like the Temminck’s ground pangolin are adapted for life in the savannah or dry, open landscapes. These pangolins spend most of their time walking and are more commonly seen using short bursts of upright movement compared to their tree-dwelling relatives.

They also rely on their hind legs for forward motion and often use their tail to assist in balancing when standing or climbing over uneven ground.

Tree Pangolins

Unlike ground species, arboreal species, like the white-bellied and black-bellied pangolin, prefer climbing. Instead of using their versatile bodies to traverse uneven lands, they rely on their prehensile tails and strong front limbs to grip branches and navigate treetops. 

Pangolins aren’t true bipeds, but their ability to switch between walking styles is just one of many features that make them stand out in the animal kingdom. While their upright movements are limited and slow, they show how adaptable and specialized these mammals really are.

As seen in the recent video, even short moments of bipedal movement highlight the pangolin’s remarkable adaptability.

By observing their unique motion, whether upright, knuckle-walking, or climbing, we gain a better appreciation for the evolutionary traits that have helped pangolins survive in diverse environments. While there’s still much to learn, ongoing studies of their movement patterns continue to reveal how these animals interact with the world around them.