Observations of Chinese pangolins (Manis pentadactyla) in mainland China

The critically endangered Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) is thought to be one of the most threatened species in mainland China; however, little is known about its distribution and population status. We collected information from primary literature, grey literature, interviews, personal communication, news reports, and camera trap photographs obtained between July 2010 and June 2020 to improve our understanding of Chinese pangolin distribution and status in mainland China. In total, 157 observations representing 170 individuals were obtained from eight provinces: Anhui, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, and Hainan. In these observations, the sex of 17 females and 20 males were known. There were at least nine females with pups (one that became pregnant again) and one pregnant female. Eight other observations were suspected to be of Chinese pangolins. Although our findings do not adequately represent the current status and distribution of Chinese pangolins, they provide valuable information and suggest that the species still exists in parts of China and still has reproductive capacity. However, there is no denying that Chinese pangolins are scarce in many areas of mainland China where they used to occur naturally. Based on threats to pangolin populations and our findings, we suggest conservation measures including: establishing reserves or protected areas, targeted public education in communities near pangolin populations, strengthening domestic dog controls, posting speed limit signs and wildlife access warning signs on critical sections of road, and constructing steps in aqueduct walls to allow wildlife to escape. Actions taken around roads and aqueducts could both reduce mortality and improve habitat connectivity. These recommendations can improve pangolin protection efforts in mainland China. •There were more than 150 pangolin observations in mainland China in the past decade.•There were records of Chinese pangolin observations in eight provinces in mainland China.•We documented reproduction of Chinese pangolins in mainland China.•The pangolin is still threatened in China and urgently needs protection.