Abstract:
The Temminck's pangolin (Smutsia temminckii) is one of eight pangolin species worldwide and the only pangolin present in southern Africa. Historically, pangolins have
not been able to reproduce successfully in captivity and this may be in part due to
the lack of knowledge and understanding with regards to the pangolin reproductive
system (anatomy, physiology, biology) in all eight species. This original study describes
the gross anatomy of the male Temminck's pangolin from three adult individuals investigated. The male Temminck's pangolin presented a short, conical penis with ascrotal (internal) testes, similar to many other myrmecophagous mammals such as
the aardvark (Orycteropus sp.) and anteaters (suborder: Vermilingua). However, the
orientation of the penis of the Temminck's pangolin differed in that it was oriented
cranioventrally, in contrast to the caudal orientation of the giant anteater. The testes
were found to be bilaterally flattened with an elongate oval shape, similar to the aardvark. The specific characteristics of the reproductive tract of the male Temminck's
pangolins are thought to be adaptations to their peculiar lifestyle as the male portrays characteristics that indicate adaptation to a lower basal metabolic rate and body
temperature as well as to their defensive mechanism of rolling up into a ball. Our
study suggests the male Temminck's pangolin reproductive anatomy is most similar
and comparable to the Xenarthrans and the aardvark that display the same fossorial
activities as pangolins, and the male morphology is not comparable to the phylogenetically closely-related Carnivora.
