Investigating the Habitat, Distribution and Threats to the Chinese Pangolin (Manis Pentadactyla Linnaeus, 1758) in the Terai and Chure Community forests of Morang District, Eastern Nepal

The Chinese Pangolin ( Manis pentadactyla , Linnaeus 1766) is a small, nocturnal, shy, non-aggressive, and solitary mammal belonging to the order Pholidota and family Manidae. This study was conducted in Morang District to assess the habitat, distribution, and threats to the Chinese Pangolin, contributing valuable information for its conservation. The Block transect method was employed upon detecting the first burrow or indirect signs, and a 900 m transect with five 100×100 m² plots was used to collect habitat data. A total of 104 burrows were recorded, with 25 from the Terai and 79 from the Chure region. Burrows were found at elevations ranging from 150 m to 1200 m, predominantly between 600 m and 900 m, followed by 300 m to 600 m and areas below 300 m, with the fewest burrows above 900 m. In the Terai, burrows mostly faced the north-east aspect, while in the Chure, they were primarily east-facing, followed by south-east and north-east aspects. Burrow distribution was highest on slopes of 25°–50°, followed by 0°–25°, and was lowest on slopes exceeding 50°. Most burrows were found under 25–50% canopy cover and in areas with 0–25% ground cover. Burrows were less frequent near water sources. In the Terai, burrow numbers increased with distance from roads, whereas in the Chure, they slightly decreased. In both regions, burrow numbers increased with distance from human settlements. Major threats include illegal hunting, habitat fragmentation, mining, and habitat exploitation. Conservation should focus on public awareness, habitat management, and strict law enforcement.