Home ranges and activity patterns of Sunda pangolins Manis javanica (Pholidota: Manidae) in Vietnam
Russell J. Gray, Dung Van Le, Huyen Thi Nguyen, Long Nhat Cao, Tan Van Nguyen, Thong Van Pham, Daniel Willcox, Tiffany Chen, Thai Van Nguyen
Abstract
This study provides an update on the movement ecology of the Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) in three distinct ecoregions of Vietnam. Using radio telemetry, we tracked 12 pangolins rescued from the illegal wildlife trade and translocated to protected areas. We found that the average home range of translocated Sunda pangolins was 1.58 km2 and did not vary significantly between sexes, mass, or habitat. However, there was a marked decrease in range size with decreasing size of suitable forest space and terrain, or localized abundance of resources in some locations. Pangolins were most active from 03:00 to 04:00. The study highlights the need for further research to fully understand the ecology of this unique and enigmatic species.