Though generally silent, pangolins produce hissing or clicking noises when threatened. Hissing mimics snakes or other dangerous creatures. Clicking may startle predators or communicate distress. Sounds are paired with curling into a ball. These noises are rare but effective. Vocalizations add a layer to defense.
It shows that even heavily armored animals combine multiple deterrents. Sound enhances survival strategy.
Noise can deter predators in low-visibility environments. It’s another form of defense beyond scales.
Pangolins sometimes hiss loudly enough to scare small predators like jackals.
CITES (cites.org)