The common names for this species stem from physical characteristics, such as the extremely long tail or the dark hairs that cover the underside of their bodies and limbs.

Phataginus tetradactyla has a characteristic very long tail (hence its common name), reaching a length around 60–70 cm (24–28 in).

[citation needed] Native to parts of western and central Africa, the long tailed-pangolin has been found as far west and north as Senegal, across the continent to Uganda, and south into Angola.

A distinct gap in populations has been observed starting in southwest Ghana, with no record of individuals found through to western Nigeria.

They have developed a number of antipredatory mechanisms to protect themselves from predators such as pythons and leopards, starting with their scales, which act as camouflage.

When threatened, long-tailed pangolin roll themselves into a tight ball, exposing only their sharp scales.

The primarily arboreal lifestyle of the long-tailed pangolin has come with the development of a number of climbing adaptations.

Using their well-developed sense of smell, they seek out arboreal ant nests, then tear them open with their strong, curved claws.

The acanthocephalan Intraproboscis sanghae parasitizes the pangolin by using their proboscis hooks to pierce and hold the wall of the intestines.

It is relatively tolerant of moderate habitat modification, as seen in populations that have found homes in agricultural areas of former lowland rainforests.