Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) is an ant/termite eater, listed as a critically
endangered species under the IUCN and is categorized in Appendix II under OTES
because it is highly threatened by illegal wildlife trade activities. To conserve pangolin
and their habitats, it is necessary to understand the ecology of the animal. The study
aims to determine the ecological information; activity time and habitat use of Sunda
pangolin. Ecology of the Sunda pangolin was investigated by non-invasive method
using camera traps in Sepilok Forest Reserve, Sabah. Other methods used were field
observation and interviews. In this study, preferences of microhabitat were
determined by analysing the termite nest distribution and den selection. Pangolin's
activity time was also determined from camera trap data. As a result, a total of three
visual evidences recorded in point location where there are high numbers of termites
showing pangolin preferred habitat with high abundance of food source. The study
also showed pangolin selected dens associated with larger trees, suggesting mature
trees are very crucial for the survival of the species. General view on pangolin was
collected through interviews with 101 respondents consisting of wildlife officers and
local communities. The study also revealed that pangolin populations may decreased
and expected to be threatened due to continual demand for pangolin scales.
Challenges confronting Sunda pangolin and recommendation for future research of
this species were also discussed
