Pangolins prefer to live alone except during mating or mother-offspring periods. Social interaction is minimal. Solitary behavior reduces competition for insects. They establish and defend individual territories. Solitude is complemented by nocturnal habits. Communication occurs mainly through scent. Isolation helps avoid predators and conserves energy.
It emphasizes how ecological niche influences social behavior. Survival can favor solitude over group living.
Solitary life reduces disease spread and intraspecific conflict.
Pangolins interact primarily only during mating or when mothers carry pups.
CITES (cites.org)