Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 152510700

Refining guidelines for the release of confiscated Sunda pangolin in Brunei

The Sunda pangolin is Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List) yet Brunei remains one of the last strongholds for this species. However, Brunei is small country with easily accessible forests which in some instances neighbor urban areas. This has led to an increase in the number of reports of pangolin (and other wildlife) being poached and sold at local markets and via social media. Some of these animals are rescued and released, and to support releases meeting international standards this project worked to refine particular aspects of the procedure. Furthermore, as the country looks to diversify its economy the environmental impact of foreign investment and ecotourism needs to be monitored, this project aimed to collect some baseline data about population abundance and distribution so this can be achieved.

This work leads on from a one week pangolin workshop recently coordinated and run by the Principle Investigator in conjunction with 1stopbrunei Wildlife Club and The British High Commission in Brunei. This involved a stakeholder workshop where a strategic plan was develop for the conservation of the Sunda pangolin and initial field training was conducted for wildlife rangers and young conservationists in the skills requires to survey and monitor for this species.

As it stands there is no baseline data regarding abundance or distribution of pangolin in Brunei. An intensive six week survey using camera trapping, night spotting and interviews with local communities will develop a database and map of pangolin sightings to allow the continued monitoring of this species.

Over the past year 50 pangolins have been sold over social media, nine of which have been rescued and successfully released. However, in order to refine the release program it is important to monitor animals post release. This project used Very High Frequency (VHF) radio transmitters to monitor animals immediately after release. Habitats in Brunei differ slightly in respect to tree composition compared to other study sites for Sunda pangolin. This survey will contribute towards increasing our ecological understanding of the species by investigating what habitat features are important for pangolins found in Brunei.