Maternal den preferences, reproductive behavior, and spatial use of a wild Manis javanica during maternal and non-maternal stages in Sabah, Borneo

González-Abarzúa, M., Lim, J., Panjang, E., Ng, K. H., Goossens, B. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2360-4643, Sipangkui, S. and Lam, T. T. 2025. Maternal den preferences, reproductive behavior, and spatial use of a wild Manis javanica during maternal and non-maternal stages in Sabah, Borneo. Endangered Species Research 58 , pp. 223-240. 10.3354/esr01443

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Abstract

We present a comprehensive long-term (176 d) report on a wild nursing female (6.4 kg, total length: 99 cm) Sunda pangolin Manis javanica in a highly fragmented area of Borneo. Using VHF tracking and camera trap monitoring, we aimed to address key research questions related to variations in home range and sleeping site selection during the maternal (nursing) and non-maternal stages. We examined the characteristics of maternal dens and natural behaviors, including activity patterns and interactions with other pangolins, during the nursing period. Camera trap records revealed strictly nocturnal behavior, with peak activity between 00:00 and 03:00 h; the mean (±SD) duration of activity was 64.35 ± 13.64 min. Ten maternal sleeping sites were identified; most sites were well concealed, and 60% were tree hollows. All trees used were mature (≥38 cm diameter at breast height), and all burrows and tree hollows had depths of ≥78 cm. A male pangolin was detected sharing the same site with the pup and/or the female pangolin on 3 separate occasions, with no signs of injury. The female gave birth twice in less than a year, suggesting aseasonal breeding. The 95% MCP home range during the tracked maternal period (63 d) was 1.35 ha, with sleeping sites solely in the forest. However, during the non-maternal period (57 d), the female pangolin used sleeping sites in an oil palm plantation, and the range increased to 8.89 ha. By documenting rare wild data for this elusive species, we provide important insights to inform in situ and ex situ conservation efforts.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Biosciences
Publisher:	Inter-Research Science Publisher
ISSN:	1863-5407
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	10 December 2025
Date of Acceptance:	26 June 2025
Last Modified:	10 Dec 2025 15:00
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/183104

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