Pangolins can follow subtle chemical trails left by ants and termites. This ability helps them locate food in dense forests or underground tunnels. They can detect pheromones and excrement trails from insects. Smell is more important than sight for locating prey. This skill allows efficient foraging even in low visibility. Their brains have specialized olfactory regions.
Following prey trails reduces wasted energy and increases feeding success.
It shows how sensory specialization supports a specialized diet. Pangolins evolved extreme adaptations for insect hunting.
Pangolins can detect termite mounds hidden under 30 cm of soil.
National Geographic (nationalgeographic.com)