Pangolins prefer solitude outside of mating season. They avoid interactions with others to reduce competition. Home ranges are well-defined. Encounters are usually brief. This lifestyle reduces disease spread and predation risk. Solitude allows focus on foraging efficiency. It’s a lifestyle suited to scarce resources.
Solitary behavior reduces conflict and energy expenditure. Pangolins conserve energy for survival and reproduction.
It illustrates that social behavior is not always favorable. Independence can be a survival advantage.
Mating encounters are rare, usually lasting only a few hours.
Smithsonian National Zoo (si.edu)