Pangolin distribution and conservation status in Bangladesh

<div><p>Asian pangolins are a highly-threatened species group, mainly due to the perceived medicinal value of their scales. Increased demand from China has resulted in pangolins being the most trafficked mammal in the world. Three pangolin species are reported to occur in Bangladesh: <i>Manis pentadactyla</i>, <i>M</i>. <i>crassicaudata</i>, and <i>M</i>. <i>javanica</i>. No peer-reviewed studies exist detailing these species’ current distribution or status within Bangladesh. A literature review was conducted resulting in the clarification of conflicting reports and misidentified observations and specimen records. In this paper, we also report the current status of pangolins (<i>Manis</i> spp.) in Bangladesh based on semi-structured interviews, camera trapping, media queries, and field surveys employing traditional ecological knowledge and non-randomized transect surveys. Ethnozoological knowledge pertaining to the natural history of <i>M</i>. <i>pentadactyla</i> is also reported from experienced Mro tribal hunters. The critically endangered <i>M</i>. <i>pentadactyla</i> was verified to occur in northwest, northeast, and southeast Bangladesh in natural and degraded habitats. Interviews with the Mro tribe in the southeast indicate that pangolin populations there were likely extirpated in 2014 due to skilled commercial collection beginning in 2010. Evidence of extant <i>M</i>. <i>crassicaudata</i> and <i>M</i>. <i>javanica</i> populations remain unverified and questionable, and historical records of <i>M</i>. <i>crassicaudata</i> and <i>M</i>. <i>javanica</i> are likely a result of misidentification.</p></div