Occurrence and distribution of Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata (Mammalia: Pholidota: Manidae) in the protected area network of Jammu Shiwaliks, India

The Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata, a rare and elusive species distributed across the Indian sub-continent, remains poorly understood due to its nocturnal and solitary behaviour, resulting in a lack of understanding about its ecology. This study presents the distribution of the animal in protected areas in Jammu Shiwaliks, India using the data obtained from camera trap images. Eighteen mammals including the Indian Pangolin were recorded from 131 camera trap locations during 3,144 trap nights in a cumulative protected area of 127km2 in an elevational range of 358–880 m. Given its ecological significance, more rigorous surveys need to be conducted to gain a comprehensive understanding of the distribution, ecology, and habitat utilization of Indian Pangolin across the Jammu Shiwaliks.