Sunda Pangolin (Manis javanica)
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Status: Endangered (IUCN categorization 2008, relisted from Near Threatened)
Description: The Sunda Pangolin is also known as the Malayan Pangolin or Javan Pangolin. They are also referred to as the scaly anteater. Regionally, Manis pentadactyla can also be found.
Habitat Range: They are found in many Southeast Asian countries, including Myanmar, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Loas, Cambodia, Singapore, and the nations of Indonesia (Sumatra, Borneo, Java, and the Lesser Sunda Islands/ Nusa Tenggara). They reside in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, primary and secondary forests, areas of thick brush, and also garden or plantation habitats. Additional Manis species can be found in Africa.
Numbers Left in the Wild: Unknown
Primary Threats: The Sunda Pangolin's main predators are humans, tigers, Clouded Leopards, and pythons. They are poached for their scales for use in folk medicinal remedies, and for their meat, which is considered a rare delicacy in Asia. Those interested in eating pangolin meat will pay high prices, which drives poachers. Habitat destruction is also playing a role as land development and deforestation threatens their habitat. On July 30, 2008, 14 tons of frozen pangolins were discovered by Indonesian authorities, marked as "fish", and slated for delivery to China.
What we are doing to help:
- Our Wildlife Rapid Rescue Teams frequently intercept shipments of live pangolins and pangolin parts at Cambodian borders where the offenders are arrested.
- Once rescued, the pangolins are rehabilitated at our Cambodia Wildlife Rescue Center. If suitable, they are released back into the wild.
- Our ranger teams, trained in wildlife protection and law enforcement techniques, patrol pangolin habitats, stopping poachers and traders in their tracks to protect these gentle animals.
Wildlife Alliance
1150 17th St. NW Suite 403
Washington D.C. 20036
Tel: (202) 223 - 6350 Fax: (202) 223 - 6352
