People’s Knowledge of Illegal Chinese Pangolin Trade Routes in Central Nepal

Sharma, Shiveta; Sharma, Hari Prasad; Katuwal, Hem Bahadur; Chaulagain, Chanda; Belant, Jerrold L.

doi:10.3390/su12124900

Cited by 14 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 38 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Moreover, we lack information about populations at both the global and national levels (Challender et al, 2019). Numerous studies have been conducted nationally, focusing on the illegal trade of pangolins (Bashyal et al, 2021; Ghimire et al, 2020; Katuwal et al, 2015; Sharma, Sharma, Katuwal, et al, 2020). Only a few studies are available that focus on the distribution and habitat preference of this critically endangered species (Acharya et al, 2021; Aryal & Poudel, 2018; Katuwal et al, 2017; Rai et al, 2019; Sharma, Sharma, Chaulagain, et al, 2020; Shrestha et al, 2021).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Factors affecting the occupancy of Chinese pangolins (Manis pentadactyla) suggest a highly specialized ecological niche

et al. 2023

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The Chinese pangolin is a critically endangered and biologically unique species, yet information on its status, distribution, and habitat preferences is still scarce in Nepal, which limits effective conservation action. This study identified the current burrow density status, distribution pattern, and important habitat parameters associated with Chinese pangolin distribution in Nepal through opportunistic field surveys. Fifty‐four belt transects were examined for the presence of pangolin burrows. For each active burrow (burrow with freshly dug soil, footprints, and scat near the entrance) and old burrow (burrow with compacted soil, presence of dead leaves, and spider web in the entrance), we recorded the geographic coordinates and assessed data on 11 habitat parameters that included elevation, aspect, slope, canopy cover, ground cover, presence or absence of ant and termite colonies, habitat type, soil type, and distances to the nearest water source, road, and settlement. A total of 141 active burrows and 430 old burrows were recorded with an overall clumped distribution {}()S2/a=2.188$$ \left\{\left({S}^2/a\right)=2.188\right\} $$. Active burrow density was estimated to be 1.04 burrows/ha. Of the 11 habitat parameters predicted to influence the probability of encountering pangolin burrows, all parameters were significant except elevation. More than 92% of the burrows were found at elevations between 450 and 750 m and facing either the SE or NW aspect. Similarly, about 90% of the burrows were distributed in areas having slopes between 0% and 30% with moderate to high canopy and ground cover, and located close to water sources, roads, and settlements. Additionally, they strongly preferred forest habitats (with Shorea robusta, Castanopsis indica, Schima wallichii, Clerodendron infortunatum, and Nephrolepis auriculata as the dominant vegetation), areas with red soil, and areas located near ant and termite colonies. Although the study area currently provides suitable habitat for Chinese pangolins, it is slowly being degraded due to increasing rates of forest degradation. Conservation efforts should be increased in order to protect this critically endangered species and their preferred habitats. Finally, our findings reveal the preferred habitat characteristics of Chinese pangolins, which could be instrumental for policy makers and forest managers in making conservation plans for Chinese pangolins.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Factors affecting the occupancy of Chinese pangolins (Manis pentadactyla) suggest a highly specialized ecological niche

et al. 2023

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…However, the species is protected in different nations including Nepal with strong national laws and acts (Challender & Waterman 2017;Challender et al 2019), the population status of the species is declining day by day mainly due to poaching for meat and scales in China and Vietnam (Pantel & Chin 2009;Challender & Heywood 2012;Heinrich et al 2016;Ghimire et al 2020;Sharma et al 2020d) and these threats are assumed in almost all countries including Nepal (DNPWC & DoF 2018;Challender et al 2019). Therefore, the IUCN Red List categorized the species under 'Critically Endangered' (Challender et al 2019), under protected mammal species in Nepal, and Appendix I on CITES.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Distribution and habitat preferences of the Chinese Pangolin Manis pentadactyla (Mammalia: Manidae) in the mid-hills of Nepal

et al. 2021

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The Chinese Pangolin is a ‘Critically Endangered’ species, which is estimated to have declined by over 90% in the last 21 years due to increased anthropogenic activities on the species and its habitat. Only a few pieces of research on the Chinese Pangolin have been done throughout Nepal; there is little information among the mammal species of Nepal, especially on distribution and habitat preference. This study was set to assess the distribution and habitat preferences of the Chinese Pangolin in Panauti municipality, central Nepal. We identified the most preferred habitat of the Chinese Pangolin using different covariates. Its preferred habitat was found ranging 1,450–1,600 m of elevation within a moderate slope of 5–25° steepness, forested areas in west-facing slopes. The maximum number of burrows of the species were found to be distributed in open canopy (0–50 % coverage). The increase anthropogenic activities in the agricultural land and deforestation in forested land has negatively impacted the occurrence of the Chinese Pangolin. We recommend that the community-based conservation initiatives like community forestry programs should be robustly implemented in the study area for better conservation of species and habitat in the coming years.

show abstract

“…Chinese pangolin's ecology and their behavior is little known in Nepal (Gurung 1996, Bhandari & Chalise 2014, however people's knowledge on the species role in an ecosystem indicated some of the information on their ecological role (Sharma et al 2020c). Due to illegal trade and habitat destruction (Katuwal et al 2017, Sharma 2017, Ghimire et al 2020, Sharma et al 2020d, the population of the Chinese pangolin is decreasing at an alarming rate (Challender et al 2019). Even though Chinese pangolin is critically endangered species, its current spatial distribution in some of the areas of Nepal is little known.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Distribution of Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) in Nagarjun forest of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, Nepal

Shrestha¹,

Koju

Dhital³

et al. 2020

Nep. J. Zool.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) is one of the world’s critically endangered species, and its distribution is little known in Nepal. This study aimed at understanding the distribution of Chinese pangolin in Nagarjun forest of Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park, Nepal from September 2017 to May 2018. A total of 15 infrared cameras were used, these were installed randomly in the forest. Only three cameras at three different locations were able to capture photographs of Chinese pangolin. Altogether, three events, comprising 21 still photos of pangolin, their sign and other mammal species in the area were recorded. In addition, 94 pangolin burrows were noticed in the study area. The distribution of Chinese pangolin is influenced by the food, tree canopy and aspect of the area. Majority of the active burrows were found near to feeding burrows where ants and termite’s nest were found abundantly. In addition to Chinese pangolin, the study was able to capture twelve mammalian species including masked palm civet (Paguma larvata) and yellow-throated marten (Martes flavigula). These two species were often seen to enter or try to enter the active burrows of pangolins. The results suggest that Nagarjun Forest serves an important role in mammal conservation with high mammalian biodiversity.

show abstract

People’s Knowledge of Illegal Chinese Pangolin Trade Routes in Central Nepal

Cited by 14 publications

References 38 publications

Factors affecting the occupancy of Chinese pangolins (Manis pentadactyla) suggest a highly specialized ecological niche

Factors affecting the occupancy of Chinese pangolins (Manis pentadactyla) suggest a highly specialized ecological niche

Distribution and habitat preferences of the Chinese Pangolin Manis pentadactyla (Mammalia: Manidae) in the mid-hills of Nepal

Distribution of Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) in Nagarjun forest of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, Nepal

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About