Eye Morphometrics and Retinal Organization in the Arboreal African Pangolin Supports Nocturnality

Abstract

The arboreal African pangolin Manis tricuspis is one of the eight extant specie of pangolins and is known for its presumably poor vision. Detailed measurements of its eyes and retinal cell organization are not available. This study describes the shape of its eyes and organization of its retina cells thereby bringing to light the actual implication of its observed visual adaptations. We conclude that the pangolin has evolved a visual mechanism that is attuned to a nocturnal lifestyle rather than being described as visually poor.