Ecology, status, and distribution of Temminck's pangolin ( Smutsia temminckii ) in Hwange National Park

Abstract

Temminck's pangolin, Smutsia temminckii (Smuts, 1832), faces conservation threats of poaching and trafficking in Zimbabwe. Using a mixed‐method approach we assessed the ecology, status, and distribution of Temminck's pangolin in Hwange National Park (HNP) over May–December 2021. Seven pangolins were recorded through direct sightings, although camera traps deployed did not detect pangolins. Biotic and abiotic factors including rainfall, air temperature, waterholes, digital elevation model, anthills, and Miombo vegetation influence pangolin distribution. The low pangolin numbers recorded in the study either indicate its shy nature or simply reflect its low densities in HNP. Short‐term surveys are inconclusive for determining key factors influencing the population, ecology, and distribution of shy species such as Temminck's pangolin. Long‐term future monitoring initiatives integrating ground surveys, citizen science data, and scientific methods like environmental DNA metabarcoding will enhance accurate assessment of pangolin population trends and presence inside and outside of protected areas such as HNP. Pangolins face conservation threats mainly poaching and trafficking because of anthropogenic influences. Besides anthropogenic influence, environmental factors affect the ecology, status, and distribution of the pangolins. However, few studies have investigated the influence of environmental parameters on pangolin ecology using integrated approaches in Southern Africa. We explored the ecology, status, and distribution of pangolins in Hwange National Park through integrated approaches sighting only seven pangolins, and found that digital elevation model, anthills, and Miombo vegetation influence pangolin distribution. Long‐term future monitoring initiatives integrating ground surveys, citizen science data, and scientific methods will enhance the accurate assessment of pangolin population trends and presence inside and outside of protected areas. 津巴布韦的南非地穿山甲 ( Smutsia temminckii , Smuts, 1832) 种群面临偷猎和非法贸易的威胁。2021年5月至12月期间，我们结合多种方法评估了万基国家公园（HNP）中南非地穿山甲的生态、现状和分布情况。尽管部署的自动相机没有探测到穿山甲，但我们通过直接观察记录到了7只个体。包括降雨量、气温、水坑、海拔 (DEM) 、蚁丘和米欧波植被在内的生物和非生物因素影响地穿山甲的分布。研究中记录到的穿山甲数量少，可能反映了它们的羞怯本性，也可能仅仅表明国家公园中的种群密度较低。短期调查并不能确定影响像南非地穿山甲这样活动隐秘物种数量、生态和分布的关键因素。未来的长期监测计划需整合地面调查、公众科学数据和环境DNA条形码分析技术等科学方法，从而加强对如万基国家公园保护地内外穿山甲种群趋势和存在情况的准确评估。