Home range, activity cycle and natal den usage of a female Sunda pangolin Manis javanica (Mammalia: Pholidota) in Singapore

Abstract

Here we present the first field report on the ecology of a single female Sunda pangolin and her young in their natural habitat on an offshore island of Singapore. Observations of this event were made possible by the use of radio-telemetry and infrared-triggered camera traps. Only one offspring was recorded from this birth event and the period of maternal care was approximately 3 to 4 mo. A total of 3 natal dens were used throughout the monitoring period, and hollows of large-trees (> 50 cm diameter at breast height, DBH) were associated with an dens. The 100 and 95 % home range estimated by minimum convex polygons is 6.97 and 5.63 ha, respectively. The daily active period of the pangolin was 127 ± 13.1 min, and peak activity levels were between 03:00 and 06:00 h. The findings of this report are discussed in relation to the conservation challenges confronting this species. © Inter-Research 2008.