Habitat preference and current distribution of Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla L. 1758) in Dorokha Dungkhag, Samtse, southern Bhutan

Bhattarai

et al. 2021

Ecology and Evolution

Pangolins (family: Manidae) encompass eight extant species distributed discontinuously through tropical and subtropical Asia and Africa (Marler, 2016). Nepal lies in the transition zone between Palearctic and Oriental regions and hence is endowed with fauna characteristic of both regions, including the "Critically Endangered" Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) (Challender et al., 2019) and the "Endangered" Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) (Baral &

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 85%

Factors influencing the habitat choice of pangolins (Manisspp.) in low land of Nepal

Bhattarai

et al. 2021

Ecology and Evolution

“…Previous studies conducted in the Nagarjun forest revealed that Chinese pangolins prefer south-facing slopes (Acharya, 2001;Gurung, 1996). A study conducted by Dorji et al (2020) in Bhutan revealed that the Chinese pangolin strongly prefers NE-facing slopes followed by NW-facing slopes. Furthermore, a study conducted by Bhandari and Chalise (2014) in the Nagarjun forest of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park also found that pangolins prefer NW-facing slopes.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Moreover, local people and experts were interviewed about the ecology and behavior of Chinese pangolins, along with the date, year, and time of any encounters, and photographic evidences of rescued individuals. Additionally, an intensive literature search revealed 18 key parameters (elevation, aspect, slope, canopy cover, ground cover, presence or absence of ant and termite colonies, habitat type, soil type, forest fire frequency, livestock grazing intensity, deforestation rate, litter depth, temperature, rainfall, humidity, and the distances to the nearest water source, road, and settlement) influencing the habitat use of the Chinese pangolin across its distribution range (Bhandari & Chalise, 2014;DNPWC, 2018;Dorji et al, 2020;Katuwal et al, 2017;Suwal et al, 2020;Wu et al, 2004Wu et al, , 2020. Most of the studies that were conducted in areas similar to our geographical region and setup reported 11 habitat parameters (elevation, aspect, slope, canopy cover, ground cover, presence or absence of ant and termite colonies, habitat type, soil type, and the distances to the nearest water source, road, and settlement) to have a major influence on pangolin distribution and habitat use (Acharya et al, 2021;Aryal & Poudel, 2018;Katuwal et al, 2017;Shrestha et al, 2021;Suwal et al, 2020).…”

Section: Preliminary Surveymentioning

confidence: 99%

Factors affecting the occupancy of Chinese pangolins (Manis pentadactyla) suggest a highly specialized ecological niche

et al. 2023

The Chinese pangolin is a critically endangered and biologically unique species, yet information on its status, distribution, and habitat preferences is still scarce in Nepal, which limits effective conservation action. This study identified the current burrow density status, distribution pattern, and important habitat parameters associated with Chinese pangolin distribution in Nepal through opportunistic field surveys. Fifty‐four belt transects were examined for the presence of pangolin burrows. For each active burrow (burrow with freshly dug soil, footprints, and scat near the entrance) and old burrow (burrow with compacted soil, presence of dead leaves, and spider web in the entrance), we recorded the geographic coordinates and assessed data on 11 habitat parameters that included elevation, aspect, slope, canopy cover, ground cover, presence or absence of ant and termite colonies, habitat type, soil type, and distances to the nearest water source, road, and settlement. A total of 141 active burrows and 430 old burrows were recorded with an overall clumped distribution {}()S2/a=2.188$$ \left\{\left({S}^2/a\right)=2.188\right\} $$. Active burrow density was estimated to be 1.04 burrows/ha. Of the 11 habitat parameters predicted to influence the probability of encountering pangolin burrows, all parameters were significant except elevation. More than 92% of the burrows were found at elevations between 450 and 750 m and facing either the SE or NW aspect. Similarly, about 90% of the burrows were distributed in areas having slopes between 0% and 30% with moderate to high canopy and ground cover, and located close to water sources, roads, and settlements. Additionally, they strongly preferred forest habitats (with Shorea robusta, Castanopsis indica, Schima wallichii, Clerodendron infortunatum, and Nephrolepis auriculata as the dominant vegetation), areas with red soil, and areas located near ant and termite colonies. Although the study area currently provides suitable habitat for Chinese pangolins, it is slowly being degraded due to increasing rates of forest degradation. Conservation efforts should be increased in order to protect this critically endangered species and their preferred habitats. Finally, our findings reveal the preferred habitat characteristics of Chinese pangolins, which could be instrumental for policy makers and forest managers in making conservation plans for Chinese pangolins.

“…Chinese pangolins tend to inhabit broad-leaved forests because of the greater abundance of termites [ 12 ]. However, their occurrence can also be influenced by elevation, slope gradient, canopy cover, and the distance to water and human activity [ 9 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. Chinese pangolins are nocturnal and have adapted for digging burrows which are used for hunting prey, shelter, and avoiding predators [ 12 , 16 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Foraging Burrow Site Selection and Diet of Chinese Pangolins, Chandragiri Municipality, Nepal

Tamang

Sharma

Belant

2022

Animals

The Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) is a myrmecophagous, nocturnal mammal species that occurs in forests, agricultural lands, and grasslands. It is critically endangered due to illegal hunting and habitat loss. Characterizing the Chinese pangolin’s habitat and diet could improve our knowledge of the conditions necessary for species persistence; however, limited information is available. We investigated the habitat and diet of Chinese pangolins in the Chandragiri Municipality, Kathmandu, Nepal from November 2021–March 2022. We identified foraging burrows within plots established along 20 transects, collected scats opportunistically at these burrows, and used a generalized linear model to assess the site-level habitat characteristics related to burrow occurrence. We recorded 88 foraging burrows which occurred in forests with 50–75% canopy closure at 1500–1700 m elevation with 20–40° slopes. The probability of detecting a Chinese pangolin foraging burrow was greater with the increasing slope gradient and decreased with increasing distance to agricultural lands and ant nests or termite mounds. The analysis of 10 scats revealed that Aphaenogastersymthiesii, Camponotus sp., Monomorium sp., and Pheidole sp. were the dominant ant prey species; no termites were detected. Baseline data from this study could be used for ex-situ conservation and the captive breeding of Chinese pangolins as well as aiding site-specific management plans in Nepal.