Despite appearances, pangolins are capable swimmers. They use their tails and limbs to propel through water. Swimming allows them to cross rivers or escape predators. Their scales offer some hydrodynamic advantage. While they don’t dive deeply, they can navigate flooded terrain. This adds versatility to their survival strategy. Even nocturnal movements can include short aquatic excursions.
Ability to swim helps them escape terrestrial threats and expand territory. Water traversal connects fragmented habitats.
It shows that even heavily armored mammals can evolve unexpected abilities. Adaptation often defies intuition.
Pangolins sometimes float on their backs while drifting in calm waters.
National Geographic (nationalgeographic.com)