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Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 13256024

Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation (Project No. 13256024) - Chinese Pangolin - Awarded $10,000 on July 25, 2013

We upload two papers on Chinese pangolin ecology and biology.

1. Title: The genetic structure and mating system of a recoveredChinese pangolin population (Manis pentadactyla Linnaeus, 1758) as inferred by microsatellite markers

abstract: Pangolins are the most trafficked mammalian species in the world and have recently been transferred from Appendix II to Appendix I in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), due to poaching and international population decline. Given their principally solitary, elusive, and typically nocturnal behaviours, detailed ecological information is lacking. An understanding of their genetic structure and mating system is required to provide effective conservation strategies for the remaining wild populations. In this study, we assessed the discrimination power of microsatellites. We subsequently evaluated the genetic diversity and mating system of a restored Chinese pangolin population (Manis pentadactyla) inhabiting the southern Coastal Mountain Range, Taiwan. A total of 54 pangolins (29 males and 25 females) were captured between 2009 and 2013 within a 10 km2 area and genotyped using ten microsatellite markers. These markers can be applied to population genetics, parentage, and forensics studies. A low level of genetic diversity and heterozygote deficiency were observed, which is likely due to over-exploitation, and harvesting for use in leather between 1950 and 1980. Bottleneck analysis also revealed that the population had experienced a demographic bottleneck. Mantel tests for isolation-by-distance, revealed a non-significant correlation between genetic and geographic distances for all individuals. The mating system analysis showed that Chinese pangolins are primarily polygynous and certain females exhibit a lack in mate fidelity. We also observed that female pangolins can reproduce during consecutive years. Our first-ever observations of a Chinese pangolin population have substantially contributed to the development of effective conservation strategies and restorative actions in Chinese pangolin populations. 

 

2. Title: Mortality and morbidity in wild Taiwanese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla pentadactyla)

abstract: Globally, pangolins are threatened by poaching and illegal trade. Taiwan presents a contrary situation, where the wild pangolin population has stabilized and even begun to increase in the last two decades. This paper illustrates the factors responsible for causing mortality and morbidity in the wild Taiwanese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla pentadactyla) based on radio-tracking data of wild pangolins and records of sick or injured pangolins admitted to a Taiwanese wildlife rehabilitation center. Despite being proficient burrowers, results from radio-tracking show that Taiwanese pangolins are highly susceptible to getting trapped in tree hollows or ground burrows. Data from Pingtung Rescue Center for Endangered Wild Animals showed that trauma (73.0%) was the major reason for morbidity in the Taiwanese pangolin with trauma from gin traps being the leading cause (77.8%), especially during the dry season, followed by tail injuries caused by dog attacks (20.4%). Despite these threats, Taiwan has had substantial success in rehabilitating and releasing injured pangolins, primarily due to the close collaboration of Taiwanese wildlife rehabilitation centers over the last twenty years.

 

 

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