Philippine Pangolin

activity

Activity patterns. Solitary, nocturnal, and probably semi-arboreal. A secretive species, very poorly known. Uses its well-developed sense of smell to orient itself, sometimes stopping to raise its head and sniff the air before choosing a direction. During climbing, tail is curled around trunks and branches to secure position and assist moving. When disturbed, makes a hissing noise and rolls up into a ball, in the typical defensive position of pangolins.

Manidae

biology_ecology

Habitat. [Lowland primary and secondary rainforests; can be found in habitats impacted by humans, including grassland / secondary rainforest mosaics, provided that logs or trees are available. Shows some affinity for fig trees (Ficus spp.), the latter providing both shelter and ant colonies attracted by their fruits.

Manidae

breeding

Breeding. Unknown. Young with mother reported to be first seen in August.

Manidae

conservation

Status and Conservation. CITES Appendix II (under M. javanica). The annual export quota is zero for specimens removed from the wild for trade. Classified as Near Threatened on The IUCN Red List because they are expected to undergo a 30 % population decline over the next ten years, given current trends of deforestation and hunting. Because the biology of the species is almost unknown, further research is needed to better characterize population status and major threats. Suspected to be moderately abundant, with partially localized distribution. Considered rare in southern Palawan. Although present in several protected areas of Palawan, and protected under a total ban on wildlife collection, local hunters report it to be declining. Weak law enforcement makesit a regularly poached species. Sold in bushmeat markets for its meat; skin and scales are said to be used against asthma. Trade for food and traditional medicine is mostly local, occurring within Palawan, but shipments from Palawan to Manila (Luzon Island.) and Sabah (Malaysia) have been reported. In southern Palawan, price of pangolin meat increased from US $ 1 - 50 to US $ 4 - 30 per kilogram between 2006 and 2008, reflecting t

Manidae