( Sunda Pangolin)

Manidae

ລິ່ນງົວ/ Chinese Pangolin

The species Manis javanica, commonly known as the Sunda pangolin, exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males typically larger than females. Its body is adorned with olive to reddish-brown rounded scales, providing protection for the upper parts. The head is cone-shaped and features thick, elongated mandibles, while the small eyes are characterised by a distinct black iris. Notably, the scales cover the upper body, but the belly and the inner sides of the limbs are scaleless. The tail, measuring slightly shorter than the combined length of the head and body, ranges from 35.0 to 58.0 cm. The forelegs are shorter than the hind legs, and each foot ends in claws that aid in digging and climbing. The overall head and body length of Manis javanica is between 40.0 and 65.0 cm, and the species typically weighs between 3 to 10 kg [4].

Behaviour: Manis javanica, commonly known as the Sunda pangolin, is primarily nocturnal and tends to inhabit tree cavities, often found at the base of large or fallen trees. These creatures are solitary by nature. Female pangolins with young remain close to their nests and primarily feed on ants and termites. The gestation period for this species lasts approximately 2 to 3 months, typically resulting in the birth of a single offspring. Within 2 to 3 days after birth, the young pangolin begins to cling to its mother's tail for support [6].

Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam, China
Global distribution between 2004 to 2024. Source: [5]

Southern Mekong Corridor
Boloven Plateau

Old bush fallow
Evergreen forest

Native

Not invasive

Critically endangered

List I: Prohibited species

Use prohibited

As representatives of the PKL, we strongly discourage hunting this species due to its high risk of being endangered, and preserving the biodiversity of various biomes is crucial for ensuring its long-term presence and coexistence with us.

Wild

Threat: The main concern revolves around hunting for local, subsistence-level protein and other uses, alongside the international trade of skins, scales, and meat. Until 2018, there were significant levels of international trade in skins sourced from throughout the species' range [7].

Population: In three separate areas within the range of the Sunda Pangolin in Lao PDR (Xe Pian, Dong Phou Veng and Khammouan Limestone National Biodiversity Conservation Area [NBCA]), villagers reported in the late 1990s that pangolin populations had declined due to hunting; in some areas, to as little as one percent of numbers 30 years ago. The species has largely been extirpated from the lowlands in Lao PDR and is being exploited where areas that were not previously accessible are opening up due to development, including the expansion of agro industrial plantations.

N/A

N/A

Nutrient	/100g	Remark
Proteins	N/A	N/A
Carbohydrates	N/A	N/A
Fats	N/A	N/A
Vitamins	N/A	N/A
Minerals	N/A	N/A
Fibers	N/A	N/A

Sunda Pangolin in the daylight. [1] iNaturalist [Online]. Uploaded in February 2024 by: niran_anurakpongsathorn. Available: https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/352092134. [Accessed: 30 September 2024]
Sunda Pangolin curled up, action that they take for their own protection. [2] iNaturalist [Online]. Uploaded in February 2024 by: niran_anurakpongsathorn. Available: https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/352093480. [Accessed: 30 September 2024]
Sunda Pangolin in the nighttime. [3] iNaturalist [Online]. Uploaded in August 2024 by: axl_. Available: https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/415014644. [Accessed: 30 September 2024]

[4] C. M. Francis, Mammals of Thailand & South-East Asia, Bangkok, Thailand: Asia Book, 2001.
[5] Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), “Manis javanica Desmarest, 1822,” [Online]. Available: https://www.gbif.org/species/5219628. [Accessed: 30 September 2024].
[6] D. Prathumthong and A. Khlaipet, "Mammals of Nature World Heritage Thong Yai Naresuan-Huai Kha Khaeng," National Science Museum Thailand, 2022.
[7] IUCN Red List, “Sunda Pangolin (Manis javanica),” [Online]. Available: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/12763/123584856. [Accessed: 9 August 2024].