Factors influencing the habitat choice of pangolins (Manis spp.) in low land of Nepal

Pangolins in the genus Manis are nocturnal, burrowing, insectivorous
mammals listed as Critically Endangered or Endangered by the International
Union for Conservation of Nature. Of the eight extant pangolin species
worldwide, two species are found in Nepal: the Chinese pangolin (Manis
pentadactyla) and the Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata). Despite
having a great ecological role by controlling the ants or termite
population, little attention has been given to the conservation
interventions of both species of pangolins found in the Terai region (low
land) of Nepal. The present study assesses habitat use and factors
affecting the habitat choice of pangolins in low land (Terai), Nepal. The
research was focused on Amritdharapani community forest of Chitwan
district. Pangolin burrows were used as the indirect signs of pangolin
presence.  A total of thirty-nine burrows were observed at
elevations ranging from 301 to 413 m asl. Burrows were frequently
associated with north-west aspects, gentle slope (15º to 20º), moderate
canopy cover (51 to 75%), red-colored soil, and acidic soils with pH 6.5
to 7. The burrows were most common in areas with weak human disturbance
(i.e. 1500 to 1700 m from settlements), 800 to 1200 m from roads, and
with-in 300 m from a water source and with-in 20 m from the nearest
termitarium.   This study revealed distance to
settlement, distance to road, soil pH, and canopy cover as major factors
affecting the habitat choice of pangolins in the study area.