Autecology of the sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) in Singapore

Abstract

Wild Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) were captured and radio-marked on Pulau Tekong, Singapore, from 2005 to 2006. Pangolins were monitored using portable radio-telemetry equipment to observe activity cycle, space use, prey preference and habitat preference. Infrared-triggered camera-traps were deployed for one female pangolin and its young. Four adult pangolins were successfully monitored; they were active for 165 B1 14 min (mean B1 S.E.) every night and their mean 100% minimum-convex polygon (MCP) home-range was 41.3 ha. For the female pangolin, only one young was recorded and the period of maternal care was approximately three to four months. Three natal dens were used throughout and all were associated with hollows of large trees (> 50 cm diameter-at-breast-height). Her 100% MCP home range was 6.97 ha. The daily active period of the female was 127 B1 13.1 min and peak activity was between 0300 and 0600 hrs. Ants and termites made up 67.0% and 33.0% of the foraging time respectively and 11 genera of ants were foraged upon by the male pangolins. Challenges and priorities for future research, and recommendations for the conservation of Manis javanica were also discussed.