Indian Pangolin Research Articles

Dietary composition of the Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) in Gir National Park, India

BackgroundThe Indian pangolin is a globally endangered species and is accorded the highest level of protection under Indian legislation. The species has a wide distribution in the country. However, information on its ecology is scanty with limited accounts on the diet of the free-ranging population.ResultsWe studied the diet of the Indian pangolin in a tropical dry deciduous forest of Gir National Park, India. A total of 12 faecal samples in the form of 22 pellets were collected between November 2019 and March 2020. The faecal matter’s length, diameter and girth were 4.80 cm ± 0.40 SE, 2.72 cm ± 0.12 SE and 8.49 cm ± 0.41 SE, respectively. The dry weight of the faecal matter was 22.31 g ± 3.24 SE. The composition of the faecal content by weight was majorly contributed by insect matter (56.53%), followed by grit (42.35%) and plant matter (1.12%). Faecal content’s analysis through microscopy revealed that insect matter was the most frequent constituent (53.59%), followed by grit (46.26%) and plant matter (0.05%); 0.1% of the constituents could not be identified. The ant genera contributing to the diet of the Indian pangolin include Camponotus, Crematogaster, Dorylus, Lophomyrmex, Monomorium, Myrmicaria, Pheidole and Tetraponera. The termite genera consumed by the Indian pangolin were Odontotermes and Cryptotermes.ConclusionsThe study’s findings contribute to enhance the ecological knowledge in a hitherto unexplored habitat and hold implications in the ex situ conservation efforts and rescue and rehabilitation of Indian pangolins in similar landscapes.

Comparison of methods to estimate the size of Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) scale seizures using species-specific conversion parameters

The absence of robust species-specific methods to estimate the number of animals in seizures of pangolin scales is a major barrier to effective law enforcement. Therefore, studies focused on developing methods to establish accurate conversion parameters are a priority. This study proposes improved methods to estimate the number of pangolins in the illegal trade to inform law-enforcing authorities. Based on the observations of 25 specimens, Indian pangolins were on average found to possess 511 scales. Three morph-types of scales were identified: broad rhombic (n=411), elongated kite shape (n=69), and folded scales (n=31). The mean dry weight of the three-scale morph-types was 7.5 g, 4.9 g, and 6.2 g. Based on the average frequency and mean dry weight of each scale morph type, the species-specific dry weight of scales for Indian pangolins was 3.6 kg. Accordingly, we propose new and improved methods based on scale morph-type frequencies and species-specific dry weight of scales to estimate the number of Indian pangolins from quantities of scales. Their accuracy was compared with current methods, and the improved methods were found to be more accurate.

Vertebrate diversity at Margalla Hills National Park, Pakistan

The Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP) in Islamabad, Pakistan, is an important site for the conservation of many plants and animals. The present study aimed to determine the status of fauna diversity and richness, and environmental threats to the animals. A field study was conducted and the point count method was used to determine vertebrate diversity. The survey showed that the MHNP is home to 117 species of birds, 27 reptiles (including species such as the saw–scaled viper, Russell’s viper and the Indian cobra) and 30 mammalian species, such as barking deer, wild boar, golden jackal, red fox, Asiatic leopards, monkeys, fruit bats, and pangolins. The results showed a maximum count of 9,076 birds of 117 species belonging to 48 families. According to the Islamabad wildlife management board, one of the unique species, the grey goral (Nemorhaedus goral), has become extinct at the MHNP as no single specimen has been recorded since 2018. It was also been observed, however, that the numbers of the endangered species of common leopard (Panthera pardus) and pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) have increased, possibly due to the wildlife management board’s strategy for conservation. Nevertheless, greater conservation and protection of wild fauna at the MHNP is still needed. During the visits, threats such as habitat degradation, climate change, and over hunting were recorded. Dataset published through GBIF (Doi: 10.15470/hf1s9i)

Is climate change threatening or beneficial to the habitat distribution of global pangolin species? Evidence from species distribution modeling

Global climate change caused by fossil energy consumption is strongly threatening the species diversity of mammals. In particular, changes in temperature and precipitation have affected the habitat of pangolins. Thus, we employed the MaxEnt modeling approach to simulate the potential habitat distribution of pangolins under the current climate and future climate change scenarios during 2081–2100. The habitats of the two Phataginus pangolins were mainly affected by temperature and precipitation. Conversely, geomorphological factors mainly affected the habitat of pangolins in the genus Smutsia. Under the SSP5–8.5 scenario, the habitat of Smutsia gigantea increased by 460.8 Mha, while that of Smutsia temminckii decreased by 89.4 Mha. Temperature and altitude affected the habitat of Manis crassicaudata, while vegetation coverage affected the habitat of Manis javanica. Moreover, human activities threatened the habitat of pangolins in Africa and India. However, labor transfer in southern China weakened the negative effects of human activities on the survival of pangolins in rural regions. Due to the lack of uniform intergovernmental schemes regarding global pangolin protection, the illegal pangolin trade threatens pangolin species worldwide, especially in Africa. From current to future scenarios, climate change increased the habitats of Manis crassicaudata, Manis javanica, Smutsia gigantea and Phataginus tetradactyla, while the habitats of Manis pentadactyla and Smutsia temminckii were threatened. Moreover, the total habitat area of the pantropical distribution zone in the Southern Hemisphere (26°S–33°S) decreased, mainly due to the extensive reduction in Smutsia temminckii habitat. The habitat of the pantropical zone in the Northern Hemisphere (19°N–28°N) basically remained unchanged. Increases in the habitat of the tropical distribution zone (11°S–17°N) were dominated by habitat gains for Smutsia gigantea. These findings provide scientific evidence to support global pangolin protection.

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

Pangolins in the genus Manis are nocturnal, burrowing, insectivorous mammals listed as Critically Endangered or Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Two species of pangolins are found in Nepal: the Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) and Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata). Despite having high conservation priority, little attention has been given to conservation interventions of both species of pangolins found in the Terai region (low land) of Nepal. The present study assesses habitat use and factors affecting the habitat choice of pangolins in low land (Terai), Nepal, focusing on Amritdharapani Community Forest of Chitwan district. Pangolin burrows were used as the indirect signs, and opportunistic sampling method was used to record the burrows. After the identification of all occurrence sites (burrows) in the field, random points were generated excluding the points where burrows were recorded for sampling of nonoccurrence sites. A total of thirty‐nine burrows were observed at elevations ranging from 301 to 413 masl. Burrows were frequently associated with northwest aspects, gentle slope (15°–20°), moderate canopy cover (51%–75%), red‐colored soil, and acidic soils with pH 6.5–7. The burrows were most common in areas with weak human disturbance (i.e., 1,500–1,700 m from settlements), 800–1,200 m from roads, and within 300 m from a water source and within 20 m from the nearest termitarium. Distance to settlement, distance to road, soil pH, and canopy cover were found to affect the habitat choice of pangolins in the study area.

First camera trap photographs of Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata (Mammalia: Pholidota: Manidae) from Pakistan

In the current study, we have camera trapped Indian pangolin in the country providing very 1st camera trap photographs of the species from Pakistan. The species has been camera trapped from two sampling sites; one from Pothwar Plateau (Kallar Syedan site 33.465N 73.409E district Rawalpindi) and from other sites named Rolli Hills (33.486N 73.902E), surrounding the University of Kotli, Azad Jammu & Kashmir. For this purpose, we installed camera traps eight camera trap stations from January 2021 till June 2021. We collected a total of 131 pictures of Indian pangolin from Kallar Syedan site and 25 pictures of the species from Rolli Hills site surrounding University of Kotli AJ&K. At Kallar Syedan site we confirmed two pangolins (one male and one female) while the female being pregnant and gave birth to baby pangolin (direct field observation) in the month of April.

First photographic evidence and distribution of the Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata (Mammalia: Pholidota: Manidae) in Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, India

The Indian Pangolin, although considered to be widely distributed due to its elusive nature and low detection probability its status and distribution records are very limited. Rampant hunting for local consumption, and illegal wildlife trade for medicinal and ornamental purposes has pushed the species towards serious decline. Herein, we report the first photographic records of the Indian Pangolin in Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR), Rajasthan, India. During our camera trapping study from June 2018 to April 2019, out of 29,220 camera trapping nights the species was recorded on four occasions, at two different locations in STR. The species was recorded in the open forest areas near natural water bodies situated in the middle of dense Anogeissus pendula forests.

Habitat preference of the Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata inhabiting Margalla Hills National Park, Islamabad, Pakistan

The Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata, is an ‘Endangered’ mammal species native to Pakistan but facing a risk of extinction due to hunting pressure for its scales used in trade. The current study investigated habitat preference of this unique species in the Margalla Hills National Park, Islamabad, from September 2011 to August 2012. Three habitat types, viz, human vicinity area, agricultural land, and wild/natural area, were searched for recording signs of Indian Pangolin. Data on habitat preference was collected from direct and indirect signs of the species by monitoring 85 line transects, each measuring 500m in length and 50m in width, in 17 different sampling sites. A total of 323 signs of Indian Pangolin were recorded including 299 burrows, 10 live sightings, and 14 scats of the species. The maximum number of signs were recorded in wild or unmodified natural area (55.1%), followed by those in vicinity to human use area (20.12%), while the least (24.76%) were found in agricultural area. Statistical comparison using one-way analysis of variance of pangolin field signs, among three different types of habitats studied, differed significantly (df= 48, F= 13.723, p <0.001). Similarly, LSD analysis further revealed that field signs of Indian pangolin recorded on natural or wild habitat significantly differed from those which were on agricultural land and human vicinity area (p <0.001). The study concludes that the Indian Pangolin prefers habitats in the wild or natural area over those close to human vicinity and agricultural lands.

Digging out the keys in the heap of seized pangolin scales: up scaling pangolin conservation using wildlife forensics

Pangolins, despite banned through legislative measures, are threatened by heavy illegal poaching for the demand of meat and scales in the making of Traditional East Asian Medicines (TEAM), resulting in severe decline of the population sizes across the distribution range. Species assignment from the confiscated scales is pre-requisite to enforce the appropriate national and international law and legislations in the successful prosecution of the cases in the court of law. In the present study, we characterised the morphological features in voucher specimens of the Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) and Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) and used the identified keys to establish the species identity from the confiscated scales. We investigated intra and inter genetic variations by sequencing 624 scales of pangolin for cytb gene and obtained unique haplotypes to Indian and Chinese pangolins by comparing sequences with all eight pangolin species. Scales from the voucher specimens, which varied in the size, shape and weight, were measured for morphological features to establish species signature of Indian and Chinese pangolins. The cumulative success of species assignment using morphological features from the confiscated scales was 98.33% and 100% from the large and caudal scales, respectively. The present study has generated reference signature of Indian and Chinese pangolins from the scales and facilitates the law enforcements for taking spot decision by ascertaining species identity from the seized scales.

The Presence of Pangolin through Camera Trap Assessment in Ratnagiri District of Northern Western Ghat of Maharashtra, India

Manis crassicaudata (Indian Pangolin), distribution and natural history are poorly known in India. There is much worry regarding the regarding the conservation status of this species across the nation and globe. Pangolins are threatened due to habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade and are highly trafficked mammals in the world. It is essential to understand ecology and distribution of the species and streamline specific species conservation action plan. Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra (SNM) with the support of the forest department and local bodies carried out camera trap assessment to study the presence of the species in Northern Western Ghat of Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra, India. The baseline data derived through local interviews, Traditional knowledge of indigenous communities was used to track species burrows and conduct transect survey. In the present study 36 Camera trap were deployed to document the presence of the species across the region. Camera traps resulted in 1.7% success rate and documented 192 photos and 49 videos of Pangolin activity.

Record of the world’s biggest pangolin? New observations of bodyweight and total body length of the Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata Gray, 1827 (Mammalia: Pholidota: Manidae) from Mannar District, Sri Lanka

The Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata is one of the eight extant pangolin species in the world, occurring in the Indian subcontinent and is the solitary pangolin species recorded in Sri Lanka. Little is known about the intra-specific morphometric variations of the Indian Pangolin, largely due to the limited observations. In this note, we report the morphometrics of the largest Indian Pangolin recorded so far in its range, and consequently the largest pangolin ever to be recorded according to published information. These records along with observations from other range countries provide novel insights into the maximum growth of male Indian Pangolins.

Updates on the Morphometric Characterization of Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) in Sri Lanka.

Simple SummaryThe Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) is one of the eight extant pangolin species in the world, listed as “endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The species is native to the Indian subcontinent. The Indian pangolin population in Sri Lanka is geographically isolated from the mainland population and therefore, could possess morphological adaptations to the unique environmental conditions in the island. However, an accurate description of the morphological features has not been attempted for Indian pangolins occurring on the island. This study described the morphological features of Indian pangolins based on observations made on 27 specimens from Sri Lanka. The adult male Indian pangolin measures between 137 and 177 cm from the snout to the tip of the tail and weighs between 20.4 and 48.8 kg. The largest Indian pangolin recorded so far from any of its range counties, weighing 48.76 kg and measuring 176.8 cm in total body length was recorded in this study. Indian pangolins recorded from Sri Lanka on average bear 511 ± 21 scales. Three major scale morph/types are further described.An accurate morphological description and analysis based on reliable data are unavailable for the geographically isolated population of M. crassicaudata in Sri Lanka. This study provides the most updated morphological description of M. crassicaudata with special reference to body measurements directly obtained from 27 specimens collected island-wide. Morphological parameters were recorded under three age classes that were defined based on their body weight (BW) and total body length (TBL); juvenile (BW: <4.3 kg TBL: <56.0 cm), subadult (BW: 4.3–7.3 kg TBL: 56–101 cm), and adult (BW: >7.3 kg TBL: >101 cm) and gender to reveal sexual dimorphism based on morphometric parameters. The TBL of adult males ranged between 137 and 177 cm while body weight ranged between 20.4 and 48.8 kg. The average count of body scales was 511 ± 21. The body scales were found arranged in 13 longitudinal rows with the highest number of scales observed on the vertebral scale row (16 ± 1). Three major scale morphs were identified; broad rhombic scales, elongated kite-shaped scales, and folded shaped scales. Broad rhombic shaped scales was the dominant scale type (80.49%) on the body (405 ± 7). The tail-length to body-length ratio of an Indian pangolin was 0.87. The tail length of an Indian pangolin is a reliable predictor of the TBL and has potential implications in quick field data gathering.

Socio-ecological challenges to Indian Pangolin in Pakistan: A review

Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) also called as thick-tailed pangolin and scaly anteater, native to the Indian subcontinent is an endangered mammalian species (Manidae; Mammalia). The pangolin inhabits areas with prey i.e. a termite (Odontotermes obesus) and two black ants (Camponotus confucii and Camponotus compressus). We reviewed the published research work carried on Indian pangolin to identify the reasons for the decline in its population in Pakistan. We identified that only a few studies have been conducted on the biology, diversity, ecology, and potential threats to M. crassicaudata in Pakistan. However, some data is available on websites of organizations working on the conservation of animals, personal communications, newspaper articles and reports. Its populations have been reported from forests, grasslands, sub-mountainous landscapes, and degraded habitats. Pangolins are under serious threat in Pakistan due to their massive killing for illegal wildlife trade, medicinal and cultural values. Pangolin population is facing declining trend in its population in Northern Punjab and Azad Kashmir (personal communications) due to habitat degradation and deforestation and hunting for fun. Conservation of Indian pangolin needs social awareness through electronic and print media. It is suggested that the curriculum of science at primary and secondary levels should contain introduction of Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN) and Vulnerable (VU) species like Indian Pangolin (Endangered). We suggest to explore the population dynamics of Indian Pangolin in relation to distribution patterns, feeding preferences, prey availability, habitat suitability and threats. Keywords: Ants, Feeding Preference, Habitat Suitability, Pangolin, Termites http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2020.90236

Integrating camera traps and community knowledge to assess the status of the Indian pangolinManis crassicaudatain the Eastern Ghats, India

AbstractPangolins are the most trafficked animals globally. Although the Indian pangolinManis crassicaudataoccurs across the Indian subcontinent (excluding parts of the Himalayas and the north-east, where the Chinese pangolinManis pentadactylais present), it is categorized as Endangered on the IUCN Red List as a result of heavy poaching for its meat and scales. Several areas have not yet been surveyed for the occurrence of the Indian pangolin, one of which is the 16,948 km2tropical deciduous forests of the northern Eastern Ghats landscape in Andhra Pradesh. During December 2017–April 2018, we surveyed 750 km2of this landscape for the presence of the Indian pangolin, using camera traps. As an alternative method to document pangolin presence, and to identify factors driving hunting of the species, we also conducted, during the same period, a total of 60 semi-structured interviews with people in 30 villages. Interviewees reported the presence of pangolins in a majority of the grid cells that we surveyed with camera traps, particularly in moist deciduous forests distant from villages. However, the camera traps did not detect pangolins in 840 trap-days. Hunting of pangolins for their meat, which is consumed locally, and for their scales, which are traded, is most likely the reason for the rarity of the species in this landscape. A better understanding of the proximate and ultimate drivers of pangolin hunting is required, to inform proactive conservation management for this increasingly threatened species.

Ranger survey reveals conservation issues across Protected and outside Protected Areas in southern India

Intensifying human-wildlife interaction requires effective human-wildlife management strategies. In India, forests designated as Protected Areas (PAs) have better wildlife protection measures unlike Reserved Forests (outside PAs) which are undervalued, although both support similar kinds of wildlife. Wildlife conservation planning and policy-level decision making become incomplete without addressing wildlife management issues outside PA along with PAs as the former act as a buffer/corridor for PAs. We conducted a semi-structured questionnaire survey with the Forest Range Officers (FROs) belonging to nine PAs and seven outside PAs across the Western and Eastern Ghats part of Tamil Nadu State, southern India. We collected information on the human-wildlife interactions, mitigation measures carried out, poaching incidents, and availability of manpower and resources. Over 50% of the FROs reported an increase in Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) incidents for the past five years. Major species involved in conflict in PAs and outside PAs were elephant (Elephas maximus), wild pig (Sus scrofa), leopard (Panthera pardus), bonnet macaque (Macaca radiata), followed by sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), sambar (Rusa unicolor) (more in PAs), gaur (Bos gaurus) (more in outside PAs), dhole (Cuon alpinus), chital (Axis axis), and tiger (Panthera tigris). There were no variations in the mitigation measures employed in PAs and outside PAs. The number of schemes (N = 8–10) available for wildlife management was similar, but to a certain extent, the fund availability was more insufficient outside PAs than in PAs. Tiger (only in PAs), leopard, elephant, and pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) were amongst the fourteen wildlife species poached in the PAs and outside PAs, although wild pig, sambar, black-naped hare (Lepus nigricollis), and chital dominated the list. Prevalent methods for poaching were snares, trained dogs, guns (dominant in PAs), followed by hand-made bombs, poisoning, cage traps, electric traps (only outside PAs), and food baits. Over 50% of the FROs reported decreases in poaching incidences with improved wildlife management strategies for the past five years. PAs had a higher number of anti-poaching camps with anti-poaching watchers than outside PAs. Our study highlighted the disparity in resource allocation among PAs and outside PAs though the intensity of conservation issues was similar. Inadequate availability of resources affected the effective management of conflict species which leads to increase risk of HWC. This is the first study to highlight the success/failure of human-wildlife management depending on reducing lacunas in management effectiveness of PAs and outside PAs for managing at a larger landscape level beyond PAs.

First Photographic Evidence of Occurrence of Indian Pangolin &lt;i&gt;Manis crassicaudata&lt;/i&gt; at its Highest Elevation Limit in Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India

First Photographic Evidence of Occurrence of Indian Pangolin &lt;i&gt;Manis crassicaudata&lt;/i&gt; at its Highest Elevation Limit in Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India

Pangolin Indexing System: implications in forensic surveillance of large seizures.

Demand for pangolin scales in East Asia has increased dramatically in the past two decades, raising concern to the pangolin survival and bringing them to the brink of local extinction. Enumerating the number of individuals from the seized pangolin scales primarily goes undocumented, mostly due to the unavailability of the appropriate methods. In this study, we developed a Pangolin Indexing System, a multi-locus STR panel of eight dinucleotide microsatellites that showed promising results in individualization and assignment of scales into Chinese and Indian pangolins. The combined power of exclusion was 0.83 and 0.99 for Chinese and Indian pangolin. The select panel of eight polymorphic STRs exhibited the cumulative probability of identity 3.7 × 10-9 for Indian pangolin and 3.6 × 10-7 for Chinese pangolin and identified 51 unique genotypes from the 74 scales selected from the four pangolin seizures. The study demonstrated the first report of cross-species validation of STRs developed from Malayan pangolin to Indian pangolin and showed the potential application of Pangolin Indexing System in screening of large seizures through DNA profiling from the scales of Indian and Chinese pangolin.

Occupancy, habitat suitability and habitat preference of endangered indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) in Potohar Plateau and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

The Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata), the only member of order “Pholidota” occurring in Pakistan, is threatened by the rampant trade of the species, and has been listed as “Endangered” since 2014. The current study investigated the occupancy, habitat suitability and habitat preference of pangolin in the Potohar Plateau and Azad Jammu & Kashmir. A Single-season model was used to analyze the data in PRESENCE software to document occupancy of species. The presence/absence data for 240 grids with 10 sampling occasions (2400 survey plots) and 45 missing observations analyzed this model. The data collected from sampling plots along with environmental layers (including; elevation, slope, land cover, distance to nearest settlement) and bioclimatic layers (including annual mean temperature and precipitation) were processed to generate habitat suitability maps in MaxEnt software. To document habitat preference, we stratified the habitat of Indian pangolin into three different habitat types; forests, agricultural lands and grasslands. Estimated naïve occupancy was 0.3167 whereas detection probability was estimated as 0.32 ± 0.03(SE), which suggests 32% of the study area is occupied by the Indian Pangolin. The MaxEnt analysis showed that out of 26872.52 km2 area available to Indian pangolin, 1674 km2 (6.2%) was highly suitable habitat, followed by 3851.7 km2 (14.3%) suitable habitat, 8438.3 km2 (31.4%) less suitable habitat and 12908.2 km2 (48%) not suitable habitat, although lack of signs does not necessarily equate to lack of habitat suitability and hunting pressure and other factors, independent of habitat suitability, can strongly influence occupancy. The Jackknife test of variable contribution, revealed that elevation was the most important predictor variable as measured by the gain produced by a one-variable model, followed by, average temperature, settlement, land class, slope and aspect. Among three different types of habitats studied, forest was found to be more preferred, followed by agricultural land habitat whereas grassland was used least by the species.

Parasites and bacteria associated with Indian pangolins Manis crassicaudata (Mammalia: Manidae)

The study was carried out to determine ectoparasites, endoparasites, and bacterial species associated with captive and rescued Indian pangolins at Pangolin Conservation Breeding Centre, Nandankanan Zoological Park, Odisha, India. The investigation provided useful baseline information on parasitic and bacterial species associated with Indian pangolin. Prevalence of ectoparasite and endoparasite infection was higher in rescued Indian pangolins than captive pangolins. There is a high possibility of disease transmission if rescued pangolins interact with existing captive pangolins. Therefore, it is advisable to follow proper quarantine protocols before housing captive and wild animals in the same enclosure in order to avoid disease transmission.

A method for rapid assessment of the distribution and conservation status of Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) in an extended geographical region

Development of an effective conservation management strategy for the Indian pangolins (Manis crassicaudata) found in Sri Lanka is hindered due to lack of solid evidence based distribution and ecological data on Indian pangolins. We employed a rapid and cost-effective method based on reliable information by combining primary and secondary data. The method was predominantly based on secondary data from the official records maintained by the government and non-governmental institutions related to wildlife conservation. The primary data collection was carried out depending on the findings from the secondary data sources; i.e. structured interviews and field studies were carried out in the localities that identified from secondary data sources. As a source of primary data, the structured interviews were carried out with stakeholders including the officials of government and nongovernmental institutions, hunters and villagers of the identified localities.•This method allows collecting quick and accurate data on the distribution, habitats and conservation threats for the species.•Cost effective method to collect ecological data of elusive mammals in large areas.•Efficient method to identify trends of pangolin related crimes and illicit trade.