IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group

We are excited to share the very first camera-trap documentation of Chinese pangolins (Manis pentadactyla) within the forests of Kavrepalanchok, Nepal! Despite the Chinese pangolin’s long standing classification as critically endangered, much about their presence in Nepal remains under-researched. Through camera-trap monitoring across 20 community forests, researchers identified 16 individual M. pentadactyla occurrences across six sites in Kavrepalanchok. This footage not only confirms their presence, but also provides invaluable insights into their behavior and ecological patterns, enhancing conservation efforts. We congratulate everyone involved in this study, and send our appreciation to The Rufford Foundation, Society for Conservation Biology, and Idea Wild for their invaluable support! Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/3YmqFdH

Pangolins primarily consume a diet of ants and termites, making recent reports of red fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) attacking rescued Chinese pangolins (Manis pentadactyla) in captivity deeply concerning to conservationists. Adding upon this issue is the fact that red fire ants have been increasingly invading large areas of habitat in southern China. Researchers Ting Zhao and Yihang Zhang closely monitored two injured pangolins to assess the impact of fire ant attacks. The pangolins exhibited symptoms such as mild inflammation, clusters of small pustules, and red pigmentation due to irritation on their face (as depicted in the photo below), abdomen, and limbs. After four days of medication and treatment, the symptoms were successfully resolved, and the pangolins’ condition improved significantly. Furthermore, researchers observed red fire ant mounds in 5 of the 88 sample plots used in the study, highlighting the growing presence of this invasive species in pangolin habitats. Read the full article at the following link: https://bit.ly/3YndkD5

A universal method for marking pangolin scales has been developed and introduced by Jeannie Miller Martin and her colleagues. Drawing upon existing techniques for animals with comparable body structures, researchers have worked to devise the most efficient system for tracking pangolins. After considering the unique anatomy and behavior of pangolins, Jeannie and her team successfully developed the Pangolin Universal Notching System, an adaptation of methodologies used for hard-shelled turtles and ungulates. This system, shown in the second photo, employs a numerical code to individually identify pangolins and determine their sex. Moving forward, it is hoped that this approach will facilitate better data sharing, enhance research efforts, and improve tracking outcomes for pangolins. To read the full explanation of the tracking system and learn more about its uses please click on the following link: https://bit.ly/3zGRhOh  Tikki Hywood Trust, The Rufford Foundation, White Oak Conservation, Environmental Leadership Program, National Geographic, Save Pangolins Photo credit: Manis pentadactyla by Scott Trageser

A recent article authored by Kelly Sabashau and Beaven Utete, offers an in-depth analysis of local perceptions surrounding the Temminck’s pangolin (Smutsia temminckii) in Zimbabwe. The study, conducted through a questionnaire between May and December 2021, explores public opinion on conservation strategies, perceived threats, and general awareness of pangolins. The findings revealed that while most of the respondents were familiar with the Temminck's pangolin, 74% had never seen one in person. Additionally, 81.6% of people associated sightings of the pangolin with good fortune, reflecting deep-rooted cultural beliefs. While many respondents were aware of laws protecting pangolins from poaching, only half agreed with human activities as the primary factor contributing to the species' decline. Research like this is crucial for guiding conservation efforts by identifying gaps in public awareness and understanding, ultimately contributing to the protection of pangolins. For further insights from Kelly and Beaven’s research please visit the following link: https://bit.ly/4eHMIlF Photo credit: Smutsia temminckii by Francois Meyer

We are pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the 2024 Southern African Pangolin Conservation Action Plan Workshop, which took place in Johannesburg from September 17th to the 19th. Based on the framework developed by the IUCN SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group, this workshop was focused on developing a comprehensive Regional Action Plan for the conservation of pangolins across Southern Africa. This event brought together esteemed representatives from every range-state in the region, including government officials, NGO professionals, and researchers from seven countries We extend our gratitude to all participants for their invaluable contributions. This collaborative effort will play a crucial role in shaping national conservation strategies across all pangolin range-states in Southern Africa.

The study of pangolin behavior in their natural habitats remains a complex area of research, largely due to the species' unique anatomy and elusive nature, which often renders traditional tracking methods ineffective. However, one promising approach that has shown success is the use of accelerometers to collect data and quantify pangolin behaviors, as depicted in the image below. This method, validated by Jessica Harvey-Carroll, Daire Carroll, Cara-Marie Trivella, and PSG member Ellen Connelly, has achieved an 85% accuracy rate in classifying ground pangolin (Smutsia temminckii) behaviors into one of five categories. Such technological advancements are invaluable for informing conservation strategies, guiding management efforts, and deepening our understanding of pangolin ecology. This significant advancement was made possible with the support of Jordan Bryant, the Tiki Hywood Foundation, TechnoSmart, the BORIS team, and The Rufford Foundation. For further information on pangolin behavior please visit the following link: https://bit.ly/4gaTiT6

We extend our sincere congratulations to the Arribada Institute and all those who contributed to Operation Pangolin for securing 1st place in the Community Choice #Tech4Wildlife Video Challenge! This exciting award highlights the importance of technological advancements for the use of animal conservation efforts, and Operation Pangolin’s thermal cameras have been recognized as the top video entry for 2024! We invite you to join us in celebrating the remarkable achievements of the contributors listed below, and to view the complete list of winners, please click on the following link: https://bit.ly/46WAcvU WILDLABS Community, Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, Arribada Initiative, Brookfield Zoo Chicago, University of Oxford, Florida International University, Zoological Society of London (ZSL), University of Southern California, University of Maryland

Recent research has identified domestic dogs as a significant source of disturbance for Chinese pangolins (Manis pentadactyla). By tracking both Chinese pangolins and free-ranging domestic dogs in Guangdong, China, Yulin Zhang’s research team discovered substantial habitat overlap between the two species, with 71% of potentially suitable pangolin habitats facing conflict in the Pengzhai forest. Despite this high area of overlap, the peak activity hours differ, with pangolins being most active at night and domestic dogs most active at dawn and dusk. Between 2006 and 2017 approximately 20% of rescued Chinese pangolins had been attacked by domestic dogs (Endangered Wildlife Rescue Center, 2019); emphasizing the importance of understanding the distribution of these species to support future conservation and rehabilitation efforts. For more information on the relationship between Chinese pangolins and domestic dogs, as well as pangolin activity patterns, please visit the following link: https://bit.ly/3X7m8eD Photo credit: Manis pentadatcyla by Sarita Jnawali

We are pleased to announce that Operation Pangolin, a PSG initiative, has successfully developed a thermal camera designed to detect arboreal species. Recently, this advanced technology captured the following nocturnal footage of a white-bellied pangolin (Manis tricuspis), providing valuable insights into the mammal's behavior during its peak activity hours. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all those who contributed to this remarkable accomplishment!  Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, Arribada Initiative, University of Oxford, WILDLABS Community, Florida International University, Zoological Society of London (ZSL), University of Southern California, University of Maryland

The reproductive morphology of pangolins remains a largely under-researched area, with most existing studies focusing on Sunda pangolins (Manis javanica). In an effort to address this knowledge gap, Lauren Nicole Tink, PSG member Raymond Jansen, and Christine Steyn conducted research on the male anatomy of three adult Temminck’s pangolins (Smutsia temminckii). The study revealed that the reproductive anatomy of S. temminckii differs from that of M. javanica, but shares similarities with other myrmecophagous mammals and xenarthrans which exhibit similar burrowing behaviors. Notably, Temminck’s pangolins possess unique characteristics, such as the orientation and shape of their testes, which are believed to be adapted to their ability to curl into a ball. Pangolins have historically faced challenges in reproducing, particularly in captivity. However, as we continue to expand our understanding of their morphology, their chances of successful reproduction improve. We extend our congratulations to the authors on their significant research, and express our gratitude to the African Pangolin Working Group and the South African National Biodiversity Institute for their valuable contributions. To read the full research article, please click on the following link: https://bit.ly/3WHcoZs Photo credit: Smutsia temminckii by Scott Trageser