Pangolin gestation lasts around 139–180 days depending on species. Usually, a single pup is born, sometimes twins. Slow reproduction makes populations vulnerable to decline. Mothers care for young extensively. Young are born with soft scales that harden later. Slow reproduction coupled with poaching risk magnifies threat.
This reproductive strategy increases parental investment but slows population recovery.
It shows trade-offs in life history: survival of offspring vs. population growth. Conservation must consider low birth rates.
Newborn pangolins cling to mother’s tail for several weeks.
National Geographic (nationalgeographic.com)