Pangolins rely heavily on smell to locate ants and termites underground or inside logs. Their olfactory system is highly sensitive, detecting prey even when hidden under dense soil. Smell guides their digging and hunting. They can differentiate between insect species by scent alone. Smell also helps locate mates and recognize territory markings. This adaptation is critical for nocturnal foraging. Survival depends on accurate chemical detection.
Olfactory precision ensures efficient feeding and reproduction. It reduces wasted energy and missed opportunities.
It highlights how sensory evolution can compensate for poor eyesight. Pangolins prove smell is survival-critical.
Some pangolins can detect termite mounds from over 100 meters away.
National Geographic (nationalgeographic.com)