Landscape ecology and behavioural responses of the Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) to habitat fragmentation and degradation in Sabah, Malaysia

Panjang, Elisa 2024. Landscape ecology and behavioural responses of the Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) to habitat fragmentation and degradation in Sabah, Malaysia. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

This thesis investigates the habitat suitability and movement ecology of the Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, a highly-threatened species due to illegal hunting, poaching and habitat loss and fragmentation. Using MaxEnt, suitable areas for Sunda pangolins were identified, with nearly all suitable habitats found within protected forests. The study recommends establishing and properly managing protected areas and conserving modified habitats to promote pangolin conservation. A radio telemetry study was conducted to estimate pangolin home ranges using various methods such as Minimum Convex Polygon, Kernel Density Estimation, Local Convex Polygon and Generalised Additive Models. Movement behaviour was also investigated using Expectation Maximization Binary Clustering. Results showed that resident pangolins have small home ranges restricted to forested areas, while translocated pangolins have larger exploratory ranges as they explore new and larger areas. Additionally, translocated pangolins were more active and exploratory than resident pangolins. The study emphasises the significance of microhabitat preferences, with tall, large, living trees with hollows and abundant vine coverage being the preferred sleeping sites for Sunda pangolins. These habitats are predominantly found in old and mature forests, emphasising the importance of protecting and maintaining natural forests for Sunda pangolin survival. This study provides important insights into the consequences of human-induced disturbances and their potential impacts on Sunda pangolin populations in fragmented and degraded landscapes. It underscores the need for effective conservation strategies, such as managing protected areas, conserving modified habitats and engaging with local communities. The results of this study can be used to assist in the protection of this critically endangered species and the management of fragmented and degraded landscapes.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Biosciences
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General)
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	20 January 2026
Last Modified:	26 Jan 2026 11:10
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/184065

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