Pangolins are capable swimmers despite their scaly armor. They can paddle across rivers or escape predators in water. Body density and tail help maintain buoyancy. Limbs act like paddles. Swimming is not frequent but essential for survival. Water crossings enable access to new feeding areas. It shows behavioral flexibility despite a specialized body.
Swimming ability increases survival in fragmented habitats.
It highlights the adaptability of specialized mammals under environmental pressure.
Pangolins have been observed swimming up to 500 meters.
World Wildlife Fund (worldwildlife.org)