[9] Like all pangolins, the species is armored with large, brown to reddish-brown scales formed from keratin.

It is found mainly in the savanna, rainforest, and forest, inhabiting areas with large termite populations and available water.

One of these sightings took place at 2,466 metres (8,091 ft) above sea level, the highest altitude the species has been recorded at.

The combination of weight and physical damage quickly leads to a partial collapse of the mound, exposing the termites.

As in all pangolins, infants have soft scales that eventually harden, and are born with open eyes.

During age 6–8 weeks, the young often spew a yellow secretion from their anal glands (that is often said to smell of decay and cabbage) to keep predators and other animals from taking advantage of their mothers.

The giant pangolin is threatened by habitat destruction and deforestation, and hunting for the bushmeat trade.

[2] In 2023 a giant pangolin has been spotted in Niokolo-Koba National Park in Senegal, where the species has not been seen since 1999 and considered extinct in the area.