Editing Ground pangolin (section)

== Reproduction and lifecycle ==
The lifespan of the pangolin is unknown, but the observed lifespan in captivity is 20 years. They are [[sexual dimorphism|sexually dimorphic]], with the males being 10–50% heavier than females.<ref name="WIAP"/> No defined mating season is known, but pangolins tend to mate during the summer and autumn. The [[gestation period]] ranges up to 139 days for ground pangolins and other African species. African species females usually birth only one offspring, but litters of three have been observed in Asian species. When born, a pangolin has soft, pale scales, which begin to harden by the second day.<ref name="WIAP"/> The young are usually about {{convert|6|in|cm|abbr=on}} long and about {{convert|12|oz|g|2|abbr=on}} at birth. They are nursed by their mothers for 3 to 4 months, but begin eating termites after only one month.<ref name="awf"/> Pangolins reach sexual maturity at 2 years old, when they leave their mothers and begin living alone.<ref name="WIAP"/>