This causes a slow bobbling, shuffling gait. The three Asian species can be distinguished from the presence of hair at the bases of the body scales. The Asian pangolins are nocturnal and usually terrestrial, but can climb with ease. Individuals advertise their presence by scattering feces along the tracks of home ranges and by marking trees with urine and a strong secretion from an anal gland. The odor may communicate dominance and sexual status.
Vocal expressions are limited to puffs and hisses.
One young is usually produced, although up to three young have been observed. Young of the terrestrial species are born underground and have small soft scales. In Africa, many pangolins are killed for their meat and scales by native people. The Cape pangolin is seriously endangered in Africa. Asian species are heavily hunted for their scales because they are believed to have medicinal and aphrodisiac qualities.