Indian Pangolin Research Articles

Reproductive physiology of Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) in Pothwar Plateau, Pakistan

Abstract The Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) is an “endangered” mammal species that is restricted to four range countries of Asia. The ecology and breeding behavior of Indian pangolins is poorly understood due to a lack of scientific data. Due to heavy poaching and illegal killing, the species population has declined drastically in the last decade. Considering the fact that Indian pangolin has low reproductive output, it needs special conservation measures and authentic information about its breeding ecology. We estimated concentrations of three reproductive hormones from scats using ELISA kits in male and female pangolins inhabiting the Pothwar Plateau, Pakistan, to confirm its breeding pattern in its range. Testosterone levels were found elevated from May (0.59 ng/ml) until October (1.28 ng/ml). Oestradiol levels were raised from May (0.59 pg/ml) until December (2.64 pg/ml). Progesterone concentrations were relatively low from January until March but increased from April (4.85 pg/ml) through December (14.0 pg/ml) with highest concentrations (20.13 pg/ml) in September and October. Mean hormone (testosterone, oestradiol and progesterone) concentrations were elevated in winter compared to summer (p < 0.001). The current study is the first one to quantify hormonal levels in this species, and our findings establish the breeding pattern of Indian pangolin.

Insights into Population Status and Habitat Patches of Conservation Concern for the Endangered Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) in Nowshera District, Northwestern Pakistan.

The Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) stands out among the four surviving species of Asian pangolins, being the sole species present in Pakistan and listed as endangered owing to trafficking and illicit commerce. In the present study, we explored the population status of the Indian pangolin and the existing suitable habitats in Nowshera district, Pakistan. We employed the line transect method to confirm the species presence and subsequent population estimation. In a survey effort of 156 km2, a total of 56 signs of Indian pangolin were recorded within the research area. Amongst the 56 signs, 46 were burrows (living burrows (53.57%) and feeding burrows (28.57%)). Digging was observed nine (16.07%) times, along with one direct sighting (1.7%). Our results revealed a population estimate of only 29 pangolins in the Nowshera district, with a population density of 0.013 individuals/km2. Later, MaxEnt was applied to the species' presence points, along with climatic and topographical variables. The MaxEnt model accuracy was good (AUC = 0.811). Of the total area studied, 210 km2 (12.01%) were highly suitable and 238 km2 (13.61%) were moderately suitable habitat for the Indian pangolin. To safeguard the fragile population and habitat of the Indian pangolin, we highly suggest strengthening watch and ward and law enforcement in the study area. By adopting a comprehensive approach that addresses both the direct threats to Indian pangolins and the underlying factors driving their decline, we can effectively protect this endangered species and ensure the preservation of its essential habitats for robust conservation.

Drivers of Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) mortality in Central and Western Pakistan

Abstract The Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) is the only member of the order Pholidota found in Pakistan. The current study was designed to compare the mortality rate and causes of mortality of Indian pangolin from eight districts, i.e., four from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and four from Punjab, Pakistan during 2019–2022. Data were collected by using self-designed questionnaires (n = 340) and social media reports. Most of the data were collected from Facebook 53 %, followed by Instagram (22 %), WhatsApp (17 %), and OLX (10 %). Mean and standard deviation were computed for district-wise killing (mean ± SD 15.25 ± 10.21), season-wise killing (mean ± SD 30.50 ± 9.8), month wise killing (mean ± SD 10.38 ± 4.19) and area wise killing (mean ± SD 40.7 ± 17.6). The killing of 179 Indian pangolins was recorded in four districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while in Punjab 59 Indian pangolins were killed. According to interviewees, 33 % of the mortality of Indian pangolin was caused by illegal killing followed by human settlement (17 %), agricultural practices (13 %), mites and ticks (11 %), natural mortality (8 %), accidents (7 %), myth (6 %), and floods (5 %). District wildlife departments of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab arrested many people (KPK n = 83, Punjab n = 57) during 2019–2022. The highest fines were imposed by the Chakwal Wildlife Department, i.e., 20,000–60,000 PKR along with 1–4 months of imprisonment sentences. Eight dead pangolins were recovered among those six were male (75 %) and two were female (25 %). Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that PC appears to be influenced the most by mites and ticks (MT), myth, natural mortality (NM) and “flood” given their strong loadings. PC2 was heavily influenced by killed for illegal trade (KFIT), accident, and agriculture practices (AP) due to their significant negative loadings. PC3 has NM and AP as the dominant variables, KFIT, also playing a role but in the opposite direction. PC4 showed strong influences from NM (negative) and flood (positive). We concluded that the illegal killing of Indian pangolin is very high. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these unique and endangered creatures.

Predicting current and future habitat of Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) under climate change

Climate change is among the greatest drivers of biodiversity loss, threatening up to 15–30% of described species by the end of the twenty-first century. We estimated the current suitable habitat and forecasted future distribution ranges of Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) under climate change scenarios. We collected occurrence records of Indian pangolin using burrow counts, remote camera records and previously published literature in Pakistan during 2021–2023. We downloaded bioclimatic data for current (1970–2000) and future (2041–2060, 2061–2080, 2081–2100) climate scenarios from the WorldClim database using the Hadley Global Environment Model (HadGEM3-GC31-LL). We used MaxEnt software to predict current and future distributions of Indian pangolin, then computed the amount of habitat lost, gained, and unchanged across periods. We obtained 560 Indian pangolin occurrences overall, 175 during the study, and 385 from our literature search. Model accuracy was very good (AUC = 0.885, TSS = 0.695), and jackknife tests of variable importance showed that the contribution of annual mean temperature (bio1) was greatest (33.4%), followed by the mean temperature of the coldest quarter (bio-12, 29.3%), temperature seasonality (bio 4, 25.9%), and precipitation seasonality (bio 15, 11.5%). The maxent model predicted that during the current time period (1970–2000) highly suitable habitat for Indian pangolin was (7270 km2, 2.2%), followed by moderately suitable (12,418 km2, 3.7%), less suitable (49,846 km2, 14.8%), and unsuitable habitat (268,355 km2, 79.4%). Highly suitable habitat decreased in the western part of the study area under most SSPs and in the central parts it declined under all SSPs and in future time periods. The predicted loss in the suitable habitat of the Indian pangolin was greatest (26.97%) under SSP 585 followed by SSP 126 (23.67%) during the time 2061–2080. The gain in suitable habitat of Indian pangolin was less than that of losses on average which ranged between 1.91 and 13.11% under all SSPs during all time periods. While the stable habitat of the Indian pangolin ranged between 64.60 and 83.85% under all SSPs during all time periods. Our study provides the current and future habitat ranges of Indian pangolin in the face of a changing climate. The findings of our study could be helpful for policymakers to set up conservation strategies for Indian pangolin in Pakistan.

Wildlife Preservation and Public Enlightenment: An In-Depth Analysis of Kanpur Zoological Park's Contribution to Conservation and Education

Sprawling over 76.56 hectares, the Kanpur Zoological Park (KZP) is the largest open green space in Kanpur and the largest zoological park in North India. Housing over 1,400 animals representing nearly 125 species, KZP serves as a crucial sanctuary for endangered wildlife. Notably, they participate in breeding programs for critically endangered species like the white tiger (with a captive population of 3 at KZP) and the Himalayan black bear (currently housing 5 individuals). KZP's rehabilitation efforts have successfully released 23 Indian pangolins back into their natural habitat since 2010, contributing directly to the conservation of this threatened species.In the realm of education, KZP offers a diverse range of programs, reaching over 800,000 students annually. These programs include interactive exhibits, guided tours, and educational workshops, fostering environmental awareness and appreciation for biodiversity. However, challenges remain, including ensuring the ethical welfare of animals in captivity and measuring the long-term impact of educational programs on visitor behavior.By embracing new technologies, fostering collaboration with other organisations, and prioritising ethical practices, KZP has the potential to significantly improve its impact. This can include initiatives like utilising VR technology to enhance visitor engagement with animal habitats (studies suggest VR experiences can increase knowledge retention by up to 20%) and developing standardised assessment methods to measure the effectiveness of educational programs. By addressing these challenges and leveraging its strengths as a prominent green space and conservation centre, KZP can become a leading force in inspiring future generations to become stewards of the environment.

Coexistence of Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata (Geoffroy, 1803) (Mammalia: Pholidota: Manidae) and Indian Crested Porcupine Hystrix indica (Kerr, 1792) (Mammalia: Rodentia: Hystricidae) in Purulia District, West Bengal, India

The Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata and the Indian Crested Porcupine Hystrix indica are subject to extensive poaching in Purulia District (West Bengal, India), diminishing their populations, and making the study difficult. Applying methodologies that include local sightings, field observations, camera trapping, and quadrate analysis, these species were observed to co-occur in rocky cavities in Ajodhya hills at several locations. Evidence for this included fresh pangolin tail drag marks, claw prints, footprints, scales, porcupine quills, teeth marks, and faecal matter in the same locations within the study area. Quadrate analysis showed that the trees housing the target prey species of the Indian Pangolin as well as the trees bearing fruits favoured by the Indian Crested Porcupine, occurred at maximum frequency within the Quadrate area. We hypothesise that pangolins and porcupines co-occupy rocky cavities for protection from poachers, who can easily break into more typical burrows and set traps in front of them. This may be an example of adaption to poaching, which demonstrates the necessity of conservation measures to alleviate severe anthropogenic pressure.

The Diet and Prey Preference of the Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) in a Human-Intervened Montane Landscape

Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) is a solitary, elusive, and predominantly nocturnal mammal highly adapted to an insectivorous diet. It has become endangered due to hunting for bush meat and scales, illegal trafficking and poaching. Rescue and captive breeding programs for Indian pangolins have limited success due to the lack of understanding of the species‘ dietary preferences and foraging ecology. The stomach contents and prey preference of Indian pangolin have been less studied owing to the difficulty of acquiring suitable specimens. Such scientific information is unavailable, especially in Sri Lanka. In this study, we analyzed the stomach content of three (03) Indian pangolin specimens collected from human-intervened montane landscapes in the Kandy District, thus allowing a deeper understanding of the Indian pangolin‘s foraging ecology in a specific habitat. Stomach content analysis revealed that a greater proportion of the pangolin diet consists of grit which was 96.13% of the average dry mass (DM%). Plant matter (pieces of twigs, leaf particles, stems and barks) was least present, which was 0.26% of the average dry mass percentage. The plant matter is likely to be ingested while praying on arboreal insect nests, insects living under barks, and decaying logs. Insect matter consisted of ants, termites, their body parts, and wings which were 1.84% of the average dry mass and insect eggs accounted for 2.83%. A total of 13 ant species belonging to 05 subfamilies and 02 termite species of the same subfamily were identified in the stomach contents. Insect species representing terranean, subterranean, semi-arboreal and arboreal habitats were found in the stomach content. Approximately 13.97% of the insect matter belonged to the species in the terranean foraging layer, while sub-terranean, semi-arboreal and arboreal species accounted for 19.53%, 64.58% and 1.59% respectively. Accordingly, it appears that Indian pangolin in the studied montane landscape predominantly feed on semi-arboreal insects. The study further provides detailed insights into the prey preference and foraging ecology of the Indian pangolin in the montane landscape. 
 Keywords: Indian pangolin, Stomach content, Foraging ecology, Prey preference

A Review on the Ecology, Conservation and Current Research Priorities of Indian Pangolins Manis crassicaudata in South Asia with Special Emphasis to India

A Review on the Ecology, Conservation and Current Research Priorities of Indian Pangolins Manis crassicaudata in South Asia with Special Emphasis to India

Genetic assessment of captive breeding program of Indian Pangolin: implications for conservation and management.

Captive breeding programs play a vital role in conservation of threatened species, necessitating an understanding of genetic diversity among captive individuals to ensure long-term genetic viability, appropriate mate selection, and successful reintroduction to native habitats. We did not observe any recent genetic bottleneck, and population showed moderate genetic diversity. The estimated effective population size, representing individuals capable of contributing genetically to future generations, was estimated as 18.6 individuals (11.4-35.1 at 95% CI). Based on the genetic make-up and allelic diversity, we found seventeen pangolins (11 females and 6 males) were genetically unrelated and relatively more potent than others. In this study, we evaluated the captive breeding program of the Indian pangolin population at the Pangolin Conservation Breeding Centre in Nandankanan Zoological Park, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. We highlight the significance of genetic monitoring within the captive population of Indian pangolin for preserving genetic diversity and ensuring the long-term survival of the species. We established the genetic profiles of all 29 pangolins and identified 17 pangolins to be prioritized for enhanced breeding and future zoo exchange programs. We appreciate the zoo authorities for promoting genetic assessment of pangolin for better and more effective monitoring of the captive breeding of the endangered Indian pangolin.

Camera trap surveys reveal a wildlife haven: mammal communities in a tropical forest adjacent to a coal mining landscape in India

Having knowledge of the status and distribution of species in a specific geographic area is crucial for creating efficient conservation strategies. In this study, we evaluated the abundance and diversity of medium to large sized mammals in a tropical forest in India that has been greatly impacted by coal mining. Using camera traps between June 2018 and December 2018, we recorded 27 mammal species over 3432 trap-nights in 81 camera trap stations within the study area. The photo-captured species included both common and high conservation value threatened species, such as tiger Panthera tigris, leopard P. pardus, sloth bear Melursus ursinus, Asian elephant Elephas maximus, Gaur Bos gaurus, Indian pangolin Manis crassicaudata, and four-horned antelope Tetracerus quadricornis. Wild boar Sus scrofa was found to be the most frequently photo-captured and widespread species. Our study provides valuable data on the species inventory and the relative abundance of species in the area, highlighting its significance for mammal conservation. It also emphasizes the need for effective conservation management strategies to protect the remaining forest fragments containing high diversity of mammals, including several threatened species in India.

Illegal trade of pangolins in India with international trade links: an analysis of seizures from 1991 to 2022

Pangolins have become one of the most intensely poached and trafficked mammal species, exploited mainly for the food and traditional medicine trade. Intense and continued illegal exploitation for commercial trade has become the leading cause of pangolin declines in parts of Asia and Africa. Recent research has illustrated the growing threat this poses to pangolins in India. India is home to two species of pangolin, the Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata and the Chinese Pangolin M. pentadactyla, which have been assessed as endangered and critically endangered respectively. Pangolin seizures in India between 1991 and 2022 were analysed to gain a better understanding of illegal trade dynamics. A total of 426 seizures were collated, involving an estimated 8603 pangolins. The frequency of pangolin seizures increased over time as did the volume of estimated pangolins seized. This could be due to a range of different factors including rising poaching and trade levels, increased law enforcement and reporting, and awareness. Nevertheless, on the ground, investigations by the Wildlife Protection Society of India strongly indicate that the escalating poaching and trade in pangolins is driven by lucrative market demands from beyond India’s borders, with a growing focus on the trade in live pangolins. Enforcement efforts appear to be undermined by low prosecution rates with only 1.4% of recorded seizures resulting in successful convictions. Asian pangolins have rapidly disappeared from their natural range and been locally extirpated in many parts of East and Southeast Asia. India’s pangolin species are at similar risk if poaching and trafficking levels continue unmitigated.

DISTRIBUTION, POPULATION ESTIMATION AND AWARENESS OF INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY FOR THE INDIAN PANGOLIN (MANIS CRASSICAUDATA) IN THE KOHAT DISTRICT, PAKISTAN

The Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata), categorized as “Endangered “by the IUCN and included in the Appendix-I of the CITES, is illegally hunted for its scales in Pakistan and its population is declining rapidly for the last decade. The species has stayed neglected in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where studies focusing on its ecology and illegal trade are scanty. The current study, therefore, aimed at determining the distribution and estimating the population of Indian pangolin in Kohat district, one of species known range. Field visits to the study area were made each month during September 2018 to July 2019 for data collection. Results showed that Indian pangolin had limited distribution in the study area; being recorded at only three out of seven sampling sites surveyed, at elevation ranging from 390 m to 471 m. Field signs of the species like its active living burrows were recorded at three positive sampling sites only. Mean population density of Indian pangolin estimated from the field data was found to be very low, 0.29 individuals/km2, Questionnaire survey conducted involving local community revealed poaching and illegal killing of Indian pangolin for its scales, being the main threat to its little remaining population in the Kohat District. Majority of respondents thought that the population of the species had declined greatly in the study area during past few years. The study recommends strict law enforcement along with creating more awareness among local people to conserve the species in the study area. Key Words: Indian pangolin, population density, threats, illegal trade, Kohat.

Photographic evidence of the Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata Geoffroy, 1803 (Mammalia: Pholidota: Manidae), in Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, Bihar, India

Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) represents the world’s most trafficked and highly threatened species due to poaching and habitat destruction (Newton et al., 2008). In India, two species of Pangolin; the Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata), also called thick-tailed Pangolin and the Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla), are distributed throughout the country except for the Trans-Himalayan region (Mahapatra et al., 2015). The species remains endangered by IUCN (Mahmood et al., 2019) and Appendix I in CITES. The species is protected as a Schedule I species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Mammalian diversity of Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha, India

Camera traps were deployed at 123 stations in an area of 346.91 km2 in Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary between 25 August 2018 and 29 December 2019 that provided the effort of 3,150 trap-days. Of the 2,767 photo captures, 1,304 were mammals belonging to 13 families and 27 large and medium-sized mammals were recorded in the study area. Carnivores were especially diverse, with 11 species recorded with particular four felidae including Tiger Pantera tigris, Leopard Panthera pardus, and globally threatened Rusty-spotted Cats which extended the range of this species. Leopard was the most captured species with the highest relative abundance (RAI = 5.68) among the carnivore species, whereas the Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata (RAI = 0.06) had the lowest abundance. We provide photographic evidence of mammalian species and highlight the importance of conservation of dry deciduous forests for threatened and vulnerable species in the study area. The current camera trap survey is expected to help in the formulation of management strategies for long-term conservation of mammalian species in Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

Pangolin seizures in Nepal indicate priority areas for conservation interventions

AbstractTwo species of pangolins occur in Nepal: the Chinese pangolin Manis pentadactyla and the Indian pangolin Manis crassicaudata. They are categorized as Critically Endangered and Endangered, respectively, on the IUCN Red List, and are protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973 in Nepal. Although both this national law and CITES prohibit pangolin hunting and trade, such trade still occurs. To better understand the patterns of pangolin hunting and trade in Nepal, we analysed data on pangolin seizures gathered from official records, grey literature and verified public media reports dating from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2020. A total of 122 pangolin seizures were reported in 27 districts, mostly in the central mid-hills. Seizure cases included 23 live pangolins, 18 whole-body skins with scales and 1,046.7 kg of scales. We estimate a minimum of 1,500 individuals were hunted locally over the 11-year study period. Analysis of the trade network identified the capital city, Kathmandu, as the main pangolin trade hub, with scales being the most commonly seized item. The illegal trade occurred mostly in two regions: central and eastern Nepal, and areas bordering China. The pangolins were hunted mainly from core habitats within rural areas, then transported to the city for trade. These data support the future development of effective law enforcement and policy interventions for this region, to stop the illegal pangolin trade. Greater understanding of the patterns of the local pangolin trade and the identification of hotspot areas and peak hunting seasons will allow us to prioritize areas for future conservation interventions.

TRENDS AND PATTERNS OF ILLEGAL WILDLIFE HUNTING AND TRADING IN UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Wildlife trade, poaching and its use is characterized as wildlife crime, also it has become a global problem. The illegal wildlife trade is a increasing problem driven by the number of factors (e.g. alternative medicine, accessories and subsistence). High demand for illicit wildlife products is threatening the existence of many of the most of d species. Enquiring and investigating crime hotspots include analyzing the enforcement of law and seizure data, highlighting areas with high biodiversity has been studied here. In this present study, we have analyzed wildlife crime hotspot in different districts/ divisions of Uttar Pradesh, India from 2012 to 2021.Basically, we have extracted the data which include information on trafficking, illegal possessions, breaking hunting and poaching laws and exploitation, illegal scientific collections, and information from mass media. In results, study support the understanding that the reports of illegal trade are underestimates. This research helps to gain the understanding the exact reason to the problem. This study also supports to inform policies and strategies to combat the poaching and hunting activities that affect wildlife in regions with high biodiversity. Moreover, this also provides the first detailed state of assessment on illegal trade and hunting in Uttar Pradesh. The analysis done suggests trade in wildlife in protected areas of 12 districts of Uttar Pradesh and hike in trade of mammalian species, like Indian Pangolin, and leopard. In addition, the seizure reported more often in different districts and areas bordering Nepal, China, and gulf countries. This states that well-organized illegal wildlife trade and associations taking place in Uttar Pradesh and gulf countries act as both a source and a transit country.

First photographic evidence of Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata Geoffroy, 1803 (Mammalia: Pholidota: Manidae), in Colonel Sher Jung National Park, Himachal Pradesh, India

The Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata is ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List. We report the first photographic evidence of its presence in Colonel Sher Jung National Park of Paonta Valley in Himachal Pradesh. Camera-traps (n = 64) were used to assess the diversity and abundance of terrestrial mammals. Over 1,912 trap nights, we documented 16 mammals, of which the Indian Pangolin was photo-captured at a single camera-trap station with two independent records. Although the presence of species has been indicated in a few studies conducted in the study area, no photographic evidence of the Indian Pangolin from the National Park has previously been reported. We strongly recommend additional fieldwork in and around the protected area to learn more about the Indian Pangolin’s distribution, habitat use, and ecology.

Camera trap data reveal the habitat associations, activity patterns and population density of Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) in Maduru Oya National Park, Sri Lanka

The Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) is a solitary, medium–sized mammal native to South Asia. In this study we used camera trap data recorded during a meso–mammal survey conducted from January 2019 to January 2021 to assess the occupancy, habitat associations, population density and activity patterns of Indian pangolins in Maduru Oya National Park (MONP), Sri Lanka. The preferred habitat of the species was dry–mixed forest with an occupancy probability of 0.42 ± 0.19. Occupancy modeling revealed the association of the species with the forested habitats of the park with rich canopy cover, high NDVI scores and abundant termite mounds. Activity of this pangolin was highly nocturnal, reaching a peak after midnight. We observed a considerable spatiotemporal overlap in Indian pangolin activity and human activity, possibly increasing hunting pressure on the species. We estimated occupancy and abundance–based population density (0.73 ± 0.21 indiv./km2) using the random encounter model for the first time in the study area. These findings could be useful for conservation and management decisions concerning the survival and vital habitats of one of the most trafficked mammals in the world, the Indian pangolin.

Updated Status of Indian Pangolin in South East Asia

Indian Pangolin is the least studied mammal out of the 8 pangolin species. Since 2011, it is at risk of extinction because of illegal poaching for its scales and meat by local poor community and hunters. Its scales are used for medicines as well as making ornaments and meat is regarded as delicacy in different countries like China and India. Indian pangolin is economically very important as it serves as insect eater as well as provides shelter to other animals and aerates soil through borrowing. According to IUCN, it is regarded as ENDANGERED and will decline by about 50 percent over the next 20 years. So in order to save this species, there is need to aware people about its status at global level. In this article, past 10 years researches considering illegal trading of Indian pangolin in Asia have been reviewed.

The applicability of camera trap data to monitor the cryptic Indian pangolin (Manus crassicaudata) populations: A survey from a tropical lowland rainforest in Southwest Sri Lanka

The habitat occupancy, abundance, and population density of Indian pangolin ( Manis crassicaudata ) are poorly understood owing to their nocturnal and cryptic behaviors. This study presents the results of the first comprehensive study on the habitat occupancy, abundance, and population estimation of Indian pangolins using camera trap data in a tropical lowland rainforest habitat in the southwest of Sri Lanka. We conducted a camera trap survey using eight camera traps to sample the study site by partitioning it into 72 grid cells of 500 m x 500 m size. Traps were moved to new locations every 7 days. Data from 4480 camera trap nights at 640 locations in the 2000ha-Yagirala Forest Reserve were analyzed. The two main habitat types in the forest; Pine dominated forest (200 ha) and natural forest (1800ha) yielded 20 and 35 successful captures. A mean capture rate of 35.71 and 6.94 was recorded from the Pine forest and the natural forest. We further demonstrated the applicability of using camera trap data to estimate the population density of pangolins by fitting a Binomial-Poisson mixture model for a single visit capture data. All photographs of Indian pangolin were recorded between 7.00.00 pm and 6.00 am, with the highest frequency of photographs captured between 4.00 am, and 5.00 am (n = 10), followed by 8.00 pm and 9.00 pm (n = 08). The survey further provided exciting insights into burrow usage, possible nomadic behavior, and indirect interactions with sympatric mammals in the habitat. The implications for long-term monitoring and conservation are further discussed.