Developing a strategy for pangolin conservation in Brunei: Refining guidelines for the release of confiscated animals and gathering baseline data. Principle Investigator: Louise Fletcher on behalf of 1stopbrunei Wildlife Club

Acknowledgments: This project would not be possible without the hard work of the members of 1stopbrunei Wildlife Club, in particular Ali Nazri who worked continuously over a six week period to ensure everything was completed in a short time frame. The work would not have been possible without the further support of Muhammad Shavez Cheema, Bud Chapman and Fatin Nabilah.

My appreciation goes to the Forest Rangers at the Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park, in particular Qamarul Islam Mahmud, who accompanied and guided us through the forest in day and nighttime and to Pengiran Muda Omar Ali for granting us permission to work in this protected area.

Guidance and advice has been provided by a wide range of individuals, gratitude extends particularly to: Ulmar Graffe, The University of Brunei Darussalam and Roger Raja and The British High Commission in Brunei Darussalam

None of this work would have been made possible without the dedication and enthusiasm of all the members of 1stopbrunei Wildlife Club: Bazilah Za, Farah Za and Irene Noor Azam.

The implementation of this project would not have been made possible without the support of our donor: The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund.

Statement of need: The Sunda pangolin is Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List) yet Brunei remains one of the last strongholds for this species. However, Brunei is small country with easily accessible forests which in some instances neighbor urban areas. This has led to an increase in the number of reports of pangolin (and other wildlife) being poached and sold at local markets and via social media. Some of these animals are rescued and released, and to support releases meeting international standards this project worked to refine particular aspects of the procedure. Furthermore, as the country looks to diversify its economy the environmental impact of foreign investment and ecotourism needs to be monitored, this project aimed to collect some baseline data about population abundance and distribution so this can be achieved. This work leads on from a one week pangolin workshop recently coordinated and run by the Principle Investigator in conjunction with 1stopbrunei Wildlife Club and The British High Commission in Brunei. This involved a stakeholder workshop where a strategic plan was develop for the conservation of the Sunda pangolin and initial field training was conducted for wildlife rangers and young conservationists in the skills requires to survey and monitor for this species. As it stands there is no baseline data regarding abundance or distribution of pangolin in Brunei. An intensive six week survey using camera trapping, night spotting and interviews with local communities will develop a database and map of pangolin sightings to allow the continued monitoring of this species. Over the past year 50 pangolins have been sold over social media, nine of which have been rescued and successfully released. However, in order to refine the release program it is important to monitor animals post release. This project used Very High Frequency (VHF) radio transmitters to monitor animals immediately after release. Habitats in Brunei differ slightly in respect to tree composition compared to other study sites for Sunda pangolin. This survey will contribute towards increasing our ecological understanding of the species by investigating what habitat features are important for pangolins found in Brunei.

Chapter 1: Review of the Sunda pangolin in Brunei

The pangolin has been reported in all four districts of Brunei, namely Brunei Muara, Tutong, Kuala Belait and Temburong (Figures 1a and b).

This information comes from recent sightings reported by 1stopbrunei Wildlife Club members, the public and historical, unconfirmed records from discussions with local communities. Surprisingly, the highest number of recent, confirmed sightings has been from the urban areas in the Brunei Muara district, when the animals are found in houses or seen crossing highways (Figures 2a and b). All the sightings have been at night, five of the confirmed sightings have been between around midnight (Cheema, Pers. Comm.).

1stopbrunei wildlife has released 11 pangolins between 2013 and April 2015. Eight of these releases were animals found for sale online and ten were voluntarily handed over after entering people’s homes. Monitoring by 1stopbrunei Wildlife Club recorded 25 instances of pangolins being sold on social media (Figure 2c) in 2014 and 6 in the first half of 2015 (Cheema, Pers. Comm.). Despite petitioning the Sunda pangolin is currently not listed on the Wildlife Act (1984).

Figures 1 and 2. From top left: 1a) the four districts of Brunei. (www.mapsource.com); 1b) map of Brunei showing major protected areas (www.googlemaps.com). Figure 2a) a Sunda pangolin found in a house 2b) a Sunda pangolin as a result of a road traffic accident 2c) a Sunda pangolin being sold via social media.

Chapter 2: Objectives and activities 2.1 Objectives

 Gather baseline data on the distribution of Sunda pangolin in Brunei.  Refine methods for the release of rescued Sunda pangolins by 1stopbrunei Wildlife Club.  Provide training to young Bruneian conservationists. 2.2 Activities 1. Locations were mapped of where pangolin have been located and/or released by: (i) Interviewing local people, village headman and long house communities following a semi structured questioning procedure (Appendix 1) (ii) Using social media to collate historical records of pangolin sightings (iii) Collating data on the rescues and releases of Sunda pangolin by 1stopbrunei Wildlife Club from 2013-present. The information included:

 GPS locations of rescues and releases  Sex  Weight (estimation)  Record of injuries

2. One wild Sunda pangolin was tagged with a VHF transmitter and training was provided to young researchers

3. Training was provided to local conservationists in surveying techniques for Sunda pangolin (i) Several local conservationists were trained in how to use VHF radio transmitter equipment to located released individuals (homing) or monitor if they were moving from a distance (triangulation). (ii) Two local conservationists were trained in how to set up a camera trapping grid targeting Sunda pangolin and small carnivores and how to collect the memory cards and maintain the cameras.

4. Suitable locations where pangolins could be released were identified based on the following criteria: a. Identification of large tree hollows or fallen logs for pangolin to sleep in b. Proximity to urban areas c. Evidence of poaching d. Attitude of local villagers/long house communities e. Knowledge on the presence of other pangolins

Figure 3. Areas surveyed from July 2016-September 2016.

Table 1: Survey effort July 2015- September 2015 (six week period)

Site Survey effort Night survey Day survey Camera trapping Interviews (hours) (hours) (effective camera trapping nights) Bukit Mentiri 3 Teraja¹ 16 19 187* 1 Bukit Patoi 4.5 24* 1 Bukit Saeh 2.5 Tasek Lama 10 1 Merimbun 4 8 Berambung Island 9 7 1 Wang Kadir 3.75 Tutong Lake (and 2 2 surrounding area) Highways 8.5 Temburong 2 Mapan 2 2 *Cameras are still active. ¹See Figure 4 for layout A camera trapping grid was established at an area where pangolin had been released and where wild pangolin had been spotted. This is also an area where 1stopbrunei Wildlife had invested many years building up a strong relationship with the local Iban tribe who lived at the longhouse.

Figure 4. Locations of largest camera trapping effort, Teraja, Labi district. The red flags in the first image indicate places where pangolins were previously released.

5. Building of a mini rehabilitation enclosure was continued, this included:  Filling trenches with concrete to prevent pangolins from digging out  Building a wall five bricks high to prevent pangolins from climbing on the fencing of the enclosure

Figure 5. Building of a small enclosure where rescued wildlife can temporarily be kept

Chapter 3: Results

3.1 Interviews The information presented below are notes obtained from semi structured interviews of key people researchers identified as potentially having pertinent information which would support pangolin conservation efforts in Brunei. All interviewees were male as they held prominent roles as village/long house heads and spent the most time in the forest for farming or hunting.

Table 2. Notes from semi structure interviews (See Appendix 1. for interview questions) No. and Location Job Gender, age, Pangolin Pangolin Pangolin Perceived threats date ethnic sightings behaviour ecology background No. 1 Tutong Retired teacher, Male, 60s. Has been cutting Only seen one Only seen them In the 70s there were lots of pangolins; in the 22.7.2015 village head. Bruneian down trees and individual at a sleeping in trees. 80s it started to decline due to local poaching found them time. Friends They prefer trees and logging; now if people find pangolins sleeping in the have seen one with lots of they sell them. Demand is from Malaysia. top. carrying lichens growing They are preferred alive but sold in either Once kept one at young. on them. state. The heart is used for medicinal his house for one purposes. month. No. 2 Benutan Logger Male; 40s; Peak time for Ants emerge Found in cool The interviewee presented three scales taken 22.7.2015 Malaysian sightings between after midnight, places - under from the tail, he was told they were good for 00:00-04:00. then pangolins bridges and in back pain. come out to tree hollows. feed. No. 3 Retired Male; late 40s, Last sighting 1.5 If seen people sell it to Limbang2 or Lawas in 30.7.2015 policeman now a Bruneian years ago – at a Malaysia. People in this village don’t hunt it farmer cemetery on the but will sell it if they see one. (rehabilitation edge of the forest. enclosure built on his land) No. 4 Subok Village head Four years ago he Pangolins are caught in traps set for mouse 30.7.2015 (urban was farming in deer. Sold to sellers in Limbang for 200- district) the forest and 300BND used to see pangolin often. Ignored it as he knew it wouldn’t cause any harm. No. 5 Teraja Government job Male, late 40s; Many sightings The scales are worth 700RM/kg, but 1.8.2015 (son of long Iban tribe. around three Bruneians don’t consume the meat. People house headman)1 years ago, now used to ignore them – now if sighted they are not so much. sold.

No. and Location Job Gender, age, Pangolin Pangolin Pangolin Perceived threats date ethnic sightings behaviour ecology background

No. 6 Berambung Village elder Male; 70; Last time two Seen eating Pangolin seen at No one catches pangolin on the island as they 6.8.2015 Island Bruneian years ago*. termites and the edge of the know they will be fined. Mainly crossing ants and mangrove where the road at climbing trees there is approx. 20:00- to eat weaver plantation, but 21:00. ant nests. not in the If caught always If it is seen mangrove. released. outside of the Sleep in the Bigger pangolin forest it heads trees, often seen in forest and to a house and under bird nest smaller at the sleeps ferns, in living mangrove underneath. not dead trees. boundary. Not seen in fig trees or on the ground. No. 7 Temburong Driver Male; late 40s; Regularly sees Has a relative who sells them for 60RM for 7.8.2015 Bruneian them on the road whole animal. Highest price is 200RM for outside his house whole animal. Sold to Malaysia. Sets traps at approx. 21:00. along ant mounds.

No. 8 Temburong Resort manager Male; Iban Seen one month Don’t spend Sold to Limbang for 200RM/kg. Sometimes 7.8.2015 ago feeding on every night in they then go to KK or China. flying ants at the same tree. People hunting for pangolin but secretly- approx. 21:30 Thinks they set traps for mouse deer but if a pangolin population is is caught it will be sold on. increasing as Won’t eat pangolin as it does not look they are catching attractive. more. 1Interview conducted in English, all others in Malay with a translator. *Interviewee indicated that they do not go into the forest as much now, which may contribute to the decrease in sightings 2Limbang is a town in part of Malaysia that splits Brunei. The easiest land access to the Temburong district is by driving across Malaysia, which includes driving through Limbang.

3.2 Mapping Table 3. Information about all Sunda pangolin sightings by or reported to members of 1stopbrunei Wildlife Club

Observer Location Time (06:00-18:00; Weather conditions 18:00-00:00; 00:00- 06:00) Member of public report to Rimba Hill, Spg 350 (Kampong 18:00-00:00 1stopbrunei Rimba) Member of public report to Stadium pathway (in the capital) 00:00-06:00 1stopbrunei Friend of 1stopbrunei Anduki area (Belait District) member 1stopbrunei member Sg Akar Highway 00:00 Clear sky, no wind 1stopbrunei member Sg Akar Army Camp 00:03 Windy, no rain 1stopbrunei member University of Brunei campus 22:00 No rain 1stopbrunei member Kg Kianggeh (graveyard near 00:00 Heavy rain water village) 1stopbrunei member Kg Katok (near a secondary 01:30 school) 1stopbrunei member By Brunei immigration building 22:00 1stopbrunei member Kg Jerudong 00:30 Windy, no rain

Figure 6. The locations of all sightings (yellow stars) and rescues ( stars) of pangolin reported to 1stopbrunei Wildlife Club Table 4. Details of all pangolins rescued by 1stopbrunei Wildlife between December 2012 and September 2015

Pangolin Date Details Sex GPS of last Details of Release Details ID received known condition location location in wild (before received) P01M 18.12.13 Shiny Male Teraja Widlife panda Division present P02F 15.3.2014 From a Female Bukit poacher Mentiri P03 17.3.2015 Ismal Bukit Mentiri P04 1.5.2015 Poacher P04M 27.7.2015 Malcom Male Lim P06M 26.9.2015 Poacher Male Teraja P07F 4.10.2015 Huzairie Female Teraja P08F 1.11.2014 Nur Female Taske Syiffaa Merimbun P09M 22.11.2014 Ms Laila Male Teraja P10M 17.4.2015 Mr Chan Male 12kg and Teraja (Km Jalan 5ft length 4) Kustin (nose to tip) P11M 26.4.2015 Sammy Male Wasi Suhaimi Bedanu P12F 5.6.2015 Eugene Female Near Sg With Heart Ingei of Borneo P13M 23.6.2015 Ah Loong Male 14kg Tasek Camera Merimbun trap photograph obtained P14F 1.7.2015 Tanah Female Mapan Camera (Zymah) Jambu. trap but no Sp. 721 photograph. P15M Y(i 4.7.2015 Sg. Tilong Male 9kg Mapan Jiun) (in front of Mauri) P16 21.8.2015 Sg Akar Tasek Tagged _Albino Highway Lama

3.3 Radio tracking training Radio tracking training was provided to members of 1stopbrunei Wildlife Club (Figure 7). Training included techniques of triangulation and homing as well as using a GPS to enable them to find released pangolins and remotely monitor their movements. See Appendix 2 for outlines provided to members on how to radio track.

Figure 7. From left to right, members of 1stopbrunei Wildlife Club being taught how to use radio tracking equipment; trying to locate a released pangolin; drilled holes to attach a transmitter to a released Sunda pangolin. 3.4 Post release monitoring Four pangolins were rescued after the cameras were purchased, for three of the releases camera traps were places at the release location, to ensure the pangolin came out to feed, if it moved on or if it returned to the same sleeping site. Pangolins general show a low fidelity to a sleeping location and will not re-use the same den site on consecutive nights. Photographs were obtained for two of the pangolins released, P13M (Figure 8) and P16 (Figure 9). A VHF radio transmitter was attached to one pangolin (P16) released in Tasek Lama. Circumstances meant that it was a week before researchers could go back and try and locate the animal. Previous test had identified that the range of the transmitter was around 100m. When researchers went to attempt to locate the animals there was clear evidence at the release site of feeding (Figure 10) and the animal was no longer there (the signal was not picked up). Over two days and 6 hours attempts to locate the animal were made by picking up the signal (Figure 11). The search focused on the area around the release site and along ridge way pathways either side of it. Walking along ridgeways increased the chance of picking up the signal over a slightly larger area, especially if the animal was sleeping in the branches of the tree. Unfortunately the animal was not re located.

Figure 8. A camera trap photograph of released pangolin P13M coming out to feed the night after it was released.

Figure 9. A camera trap photograph of released pangolin P16 feeding at the base of a tree hollow where it had been released the night after it had been released.

Figure 10. Evidence of feeding and digging at the release site.

Figure 11. Area searched for P16 where there was no signal picked up. Each circle has a 100m radius, the tested detection range of the transmitter, the blue flag is the release site. 3.5 Identifying suitable release sites In order for releases to have maximum impact a need exists to identify areas where animals can be released, monitored and a population loosely managed, to the extent that the following are taken into consideration: 1. No males are released within a 1km radius of each other 2. Females are released at locations where males have previously been released 3. Camera trapping can be maintained long term supported with occasional night spotting Before commencement of the project, Teraja has already been highlighted as a location suitable for several releases and a long term monitoring scheme. For this reason, camera traps were set up to try and photograph pangolins (Figure 12), as there was a priori knowledge they were here and also to begin to gather baseline data on species diversity to enable members to monitor changes long term (see Table 6 for summary). There is also the potential to develop this site as an ecotourism location. Other areas were evaluated using the criteria stated in 3.4 with specific release locations (i.e. tree hollows and fallen logs) marked on a GPS. The information gathered is summarized in Table 7.

Figure 12. A photograph of a Sunda pangolin on a camera at a location were an animal was previously released.

Table 6. Summary of camera trapping effort at Teraja

Number Total no. of Co- photos Total Set Effective ordinates Elavation excluding no. of Camera ID camera Take camera trap Species list Camera (Datum. (m asl) those of animal trap Trap WGS 84) research photos Days team. N4.28828 Camera _1 15.7.2015 24.7.2015 9 E114.43079 70m 31 3 Bornean yellow muntjac Malay civet, Argus pheasant, bearded pig, Bornean yellow N4.28922 muntjac, short tailed mongoose, greater mouse deer, Camera_2 16.7.2015 29.9.2015 74 E114.43005 104m 356 228 ground tufted squirrel greater mouse deer, Sunda pangolin, common porcupine, N4.28740 Malay civet, Bornean yellow muntjac, tufted ground Camera_3 23.7.2015 26.9.2015 65 E114.42960 77m 57 22 squirrel N4.28429 Camera_4 24.7.2015 1.8.2015 8 E114.42865 35m N4.30219 Camera_5 24.7.2015 1.8.2015 8 E114.42554 36m N4 17.385 E114 Camera_6 2.8.2015 25.760 127m N4 17.632 E114 Camera _7 2.7.2015 1.8.2015 30 25.507 119m 33 20 greater mouse deer, pig tailed macaque N4 17 01.5 banded palm civet, bearded pig, Bornean yellow muntjac, 5.9.2015 (last E114 26 Prevot's squirrel, Argus pheasant, common porcupine, Camera_8 2.8.2015 photo) 34 14.5 89m 61 40 thick spined porcupine, yellow throated marten.

common palm civet, banded palm civet, greater mouse N4 16 57.7 deer, tufted ground squirrel, pig tailed macaque, Bornean 10.9.2015(last E114 26 yellow muntjac, Argus pheasant, common porcupine, Camera_9 2.8.2015 photo) 28 01.4 169m 167 108 bearded pig, monitor lizard, marbled cat, N4 16 57.7 clouded leopard, pig tailed macaque, Bornean yellow E114 26 muntjac, bearded pig, thick tailed porcupine, greater Camera_10 1.8.2015 26.9.2015 57 01.1 170m 316 212 mouse deer, tufted ground squirrel.

Table 7. Summary of the release site assessments Site Pangolin Sleeping sites Proximity to Attitude of villagers/local Comments presence urban areas community Bukit Patoi Unknown Many large trees, tree Large areas of Many local families have Suitable habitat, but difficult access if confiscations hollows and fallen trees inaccessible forest connections to Limbang – a happen outside of the Temburong district. local village where pangolins are traded. Bukit Two released Secondary forest, young Located in a Mixed There have been a high number of sightings in Mentiri* trees mean a lack of residential district. neighboring urban areas. suitable sleeping sites Bukit Saeh Unknown Secondary forest, young Very close to a (Old) evidence of poaching Very steep and close to a highway. trees mean a lack of highway. and trapping. suitable sleeping sites. Berambung Discussion A few suitable sleeping The island is No known poaching, a Half of the island is mangrove, the rest forest. Island with locals sites were identified sparsely populated receptive community with indicate the (fallen logs). and this is which a strong relationship presence of concentrated could be established. pangolins. around the pier and 3km along the road inland. Wang Unknown. Several large tree Sparsely populated Mist nets have been seen along This area neighbors Teraja and the surrounding Kadir hollows were identified. area. roads in Labi, however, local forest is to become part of the Heart of Borneo (a longhouses are supportive and WWF run project). no evidence of poaching was seen at Wang Kadir itself. Tasek Two released Some release sites, but a The park is large The park borders many Pangolins in this area are sometimes found in Lama lot of young secondary but close to the densely populated residential residential areas, most report them to 1stopbrunei forest. capital. areas. but others may be sold on line. Merimbun Two released Several tree hollows Close to urban area. Evidence of poaching in C1 Evidence of poaching in some areas, however, identified other areas (C3) seem well protected. Mapan Two released Tree hollows identified Very near to a road. . A small area, many locals come here. It was (previous release sites) discovered that the car park of the area was frequented by drug dealers, so not a suitable site for future releases. Teraja Five released, Primary forest means Away from urban Local longhouse communities one wild there are several suitable areas. are supportive of the work sighting release sites. 1stopbrunei conduct. *Releases at this site happened at the very start of the project, when very little was known by the members about the requirements of Sunda pangolin. Chapter 5: Conclusion and recommendations

5.1 Distribution of Sunda pangolin in Brunei

Pangolin are widely distributed across Brunei. Much of the country is covered in forest, however, assessing the distribution of Sunda pangolin required a multifaceted approach. In the densely populated district of Brunei and Maura (in the north) green spaces and recreational parks are regularly visited by locals and are neighbored by residential areas. Evidence for pangolin presence in this area was primarily confirmed through reported sightings and rescues. The Belait District to the south of the country is covered by the Labi Forest Reserve, an area of primary forest stretching to the Malaysian border. Here pangolin presence was indicated through interview surveys and habitat assessments and confirmed by camera trapping.

From this work alone it is not possible to estimate the density of pangolin in these areas. More confirmed records of pangolin in the Brunei and Maura district should not be taken as an indication that they are present at a higher density than in Labi, however, it does raise some pertinent points relevant not only to pangolin conservation in Brunei but across Southeast Asia.

Some of the green spaces in the Brunei and Maura district are large and if calculations of home ranges for adult male Sunda pangolin were used to estimate population the figures produced would indicate a high density. With ranges (100% minimum convex polygon (MCP)) to date recorded between 8.2ha and 76ha (Lim, 2007) the 1500ha recreational park, Tasek Lama, in the capital Bendar Seri Begawan, would have the potential to support a high number. However, without further investigation into the two main resources important to Sunda pangolin (prevalence of sleeping sites and prey) and better understanding of the arrangement of territories and home ranges and the dispersal of young (especially males) any estimates of density and/or abundance would be inaccurate. 5.2 Release protocols

It is recommended that releases are conducted in the Labi Forest Reserve. The dietary preferences of the Sunda pangolin remain largely unknown, however, older growth forest with decaying wood means easier access to prey items without the energetic costs of digging to deep chambers or foraging over larger areas to meet the individual’s need. This, accompanied by an abundance of suitable sleeping sites, would minimize the energetic demand on a newly released individual.

Despite Sunda pangolins showing no strong preference for habitat type and appearing to be a diet generalist (Lim, 2007) stable isotope analysis of the African ground pangolin, Smutsia temminckii, recorded as only feeding on five prey species (four ant and one termite) (Pietersen et al. 2015). Without fully understanding the drivers behind this selectivity, releasing in primary forest with high prey diversity ensures pangolins have access to favored food sources. Furthermore, data gleaned from future radio tracking of the individuals will provide a clearer insight into the ecology of these animals in the wild. The nature of the trade in Brunei means that rescued pangolins are those that have not been in the trade for a prolonged period of time. This means that often the animals are strong and in good health and cases involve dealing with individuals rather than groups of animals. Animals should only be kept until they have produced a fecal sample, where possible the pangolin should be taken out to feed, decaying wood brought to the animal or fruit left in the forest to collect ants that can be provided to the animal. 5.3 Recommendations

 Brunei remains one of only two range countries where the Sunda pangolin is not listed as a nationally protected species. This is a priority for the conservation of this species in Brunei.  Continue educational activities in the district of Brunei and Maura where a high number of pangolins are often found in people’s houses.  Building simple wooded transport boxes and sleeping boxes to allow easy transfer to of rescued pangolins to release sites.  Begin collecting ants that can be frozen so that an emergency supply can be on hand to feed rescued pangolins if necessary.

5.4 Future plans

 Survey further into Teraja to find other locations that are suitable areas for release to avoid saturated the area immediately around the longhouse.  Work with a local business and the local longhouse to combine camera trapping and ecotourism in Teraja.  Test radio tags with a longer detection range and test GPS tags where data can be collected using mobile phone signals.  Work with University of Brunei Darussalam to develop live extract and post mortem protocols to gather important samples (underway).  At locations where pangolins have been photograph, test the success of various baits and lures.  Test the use of a pressure pad camera trap.  Collect ant samples in the areas where roadkill have been located for comparison with the contents of their gut.

Appendix 1: The semi-structured questionnaires was adapted from a project by Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, Hong Kong in Hainan Island. Relevant questions have been highlighted.

Location County: Forest Block: Village: Date Time Interviewer

Information of interviewee

Name Gender Age Occupation Education

Ecological Information Activity pattern and behavior 1. Daily activity peak of pangolin □ Morning（Dawn-10:00） □ Noon（10:00-14:00） □ Afternoon（14:00-17:00） □ Dusk（17:00-dark） □ Before mid-night（Dark-00:00） □ After mid-night（00:00- pre-dawn）

2. Seasonal and annual peak of pangolin □ Jan □ Feb □ Mar □ Apr □ May □ Jun □ Jul □ Aug □ Sept □ Oct □ Nov □ Dec □ Wet season □ Dry season

3. How many individual(s) observed each time? □ Solitary □ Pair □ Group:______(please specify the number) 4. Observation of behavior (Please give details if any behavior is observed) □ Rolling up □ Climbing tree □ Swimming □ Fighting □ Feeding (Please state duration and the food type) □ Courtship (Please state duration) □ Mating (Please state duration) □ Digging □ Running away □ Vocalisation □ Carrying infant □ Being predated (Please state the predator) □ Defaecating

Habitat selection 1. What habitatt(s) is/are favored by pangolin? □ Old-growth forest □ Secondary forest □ Shrubland □ Grassland □ Farmland □ Waterside □ Other (please specify):

2. What altitude is favored by pangolin? Village environs (altitude:______) Old-growth forest (altitude:______)

3. Shape of burrow

4. Gradient

□ □ □ □

5. Depth of the burrow (~m):______

6. Number of entrance(s):______

7. Does pangolin uses the same burrow in wet season and dry season?

Hunting information 1. Have you ever hunted pangolin(s)?

□By yourself □Family member(s) □Other villager(s)

2. How many local people have hunted pangolin(s)?

3. How many year(s) have you been hunting pangolins?

4. What is the average weight of pangolin hunted? How heavy was the biggest individual?

5. How do you hunt the pangolin(s)?

□ Traps □ By hand □ Rifle □ Digging □ Hunting dog

6. When the pangolins were abundant, how many could you hunt each time? How many could you hunt in a year?

7. When was the last successful capture?

8. When was a significant population decline detected? What is/are the reason(s)?

9. What is/are the purpose(s) of the hunted pangolin? □ Own consumption □ Own medicinal use □ Sell the scales only □ Sell the whole live animal □ Sell the whole dead body

10. Who is/are the buyer(s)?

11. How was the change of prices? 1970s 1980s 1990s After 2000 Scales Meat Whole body

12. Do you think pangolin will go locally extinct?

Appendix 2:

RADIO TRACKING

TRANSMITTER ATTACHMENT

 Remove magnet and note down frequency of the transmitter.

Magnet secured by tape

Frequency of the transmitter

 Attach transmitter to a scale near to the base of the tail, drill two holes and attach the transmitter, smooth putty over the transmitter so there are no edges for it to get caught on.  If there is no scale the transmitter can be attached further up the body, but along the centre of the body.

PROGRAMMING THE RECIEVER

Hold down for 3s to turn on/off

Increase or decrease

numbers or strength of RF or audio

To change between settings (frequency setting; audio; RF)

Turn the transmitter on, input the transmitter frequency by using the arrows to move along the numbers and the + and – to increase/decrease the number. To save the frequency press E.

From left to right: Setting the frequency of the transmitter (e.g. channel 04 is frequency 151053); the audio level (should be set at about 9 bars); RF gain-the fewer bars, the closer the transmitter.

HOMING

Find the den site using homing a minimum of twice a week for one month post release.

 Go to the release site/last known den site.  Turn the equipment on and turn the audio down to half.  Hold the antenna where you hear the strongest signal.  Turn the RF (gain) down to the lowest setting, where you can still hear the signal.  Walk 50m in the direction of the strongest signal and repeat the above steps.

WHEN THE DEN SITE IS LOCATED

 Date and time  The GPS location of the den site  Where the animal is sleeping (in the branches; in a tree hollow; in/under a fallen tree log; or dug its own den)

TRIANGULATION

N.B. for Yagi antenna, vertical elements give the most accurate bearing in the open, horizontal give the most accurate bearing in woodland. In woodland the most accurate bearing is obtained 50m outside the wooded area.

 Find the peak signal position and turn down the gain until you can only just hear the signal.  Swing the antenna slowly to one side until the signal disappears and then swing back until you can hear it again.  Note a landmark on the horizon of the landscape and take a compass bearing.  Repeat on the other side and the location of the transmitter is the line that bisects the angle between these two directions.  Move 50-100 paces away in a direction roughly at right angles to the estimated line of the first bearing and take a second bearing. If the two bearings are similar (e.g. 5-10 degrees apart) the transmitter will be quite distant and you will need to move further away to take another bearing to get an accurate location of the transmitter. The bearings should differ by more than 30 degrees to be useful for triangulation. Note that bearings for triangulation should be taken over as short a time frame as possible to reduce the chance of the animal moving a significant distance between bearings. Take as many bearings as practical but a minimum of two are required.  If the angle between the two bearings is least 20◦ and the bearing are fairly accurate, then you have a rough idea of the transmitter’s location.