There has been an increase in sightings of the critically endangered Sunda pangolin in Singapore, but this is not necessarily a positive development. A study by the Nature Society Singapore (NSS), which analysed 482 records from 1996 to 2021, found that while sightings, rescues, and roadkill incidents have all increased between 2011 and 2022, roadkill reports showed the most significant rise. These incidents primarily occurred along the fringes of core forested areas.
Background
The study, published on 16 September 2024 in the conservation journal Oryx, referenced 220 rescues, 96 roadkill incidents, and 166 sightings of Sunda pangolins. The majority of roadkill and rescues were concentrated in central and western Singapore, near forested regions. This suggests that mitigation measures, such as wildlife crossings and barriers, could be implemented in these hotspot areas to reduce vehicle collisions.
Hotspot areas
The study highlighted the effectiveness of wildlife crossings like the Eco-Link @ BKE, which is already utilised by Sunda pangolins and other endangered species such as the Raffles’ banded langur. Additional measures, including roadside barriers and animal detection systems for motorists, were recommended. “Such measures have been shown to reduce wildlife mortality elsewhere,” the report noted.
Mammal researcher Marcus Chua from the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum told The Straits Times that the increased sightings might indicate a rise in the species’ population, although further studies are needed to confirm this. The study also pointed out that it is unclear whether the increase in rescues reflects a higher number of pangolins needing help, improved rescue capabilities, or simply more public reporting.
Living dangerously
The study found that male pangolins were twice as likely to be rescued compared to females, with subadults being the second most rescued group. Both groups were also the main victims of roadkill, with males being 3.6 times more likely to be reported as roadkill than females. This is likely due to males’ roaming and dispersal tendencies, which increase their risk of vehicle collisions.
As the first georeferenced database of pangolins in Singapore, the study’s information could help advise future threat mitigation and post-rescue release strategies. For example, understanding that adult males are more likely to roam could inform decisions to release them further from urban areas. “During 2015 to 2021, 67 per cent of all rescued pangolins in Singapore were successfully treated and returned to the wild,” the study noted. Strengthening the rehabilitation network and increasing the capacity to care for rescued individuals are crucial for the species’ conservation in Singapore.
The study also suggested using telemetry or camera traps for further research to better understand pangolin movement pathways and improve future rescue strategies. As of March 2023, data from the database has already been used for environmental impact assessments in four development projects near pangolin habitats.
Sunda pangolin
Sunda pangolins, or Manis javanica, are native to Singapore and Southeast Asia. Classified as critically endangered, they are among the most trafficked mammals globally, hunted for their meat and scales. In Singapore, their biggest threats are habitat loss, fragmentation, and vehicle collisions. In 2021, 10 fatal road accidents involving pangolins were recorded in the first half of the year alone.
Primarily nocturnal, Sunda pangolins are mostly found in forested nature reserves, nature parks, the western catchment area, and the offshore islands of Ubin and Tekong. If you see a pangolin in Singapore, observe it from a safe distance and do not approach it, as they are shy and easily scared. If the pangolin appears wounded or out of its natural habitat, you can call Acres’ rescue hotline at 9783 7782 from 7am to 1am, or the National Parks Board (NParks)’s Animal Response Centre at 1800 476 1600. For illegal trading or poaching, contact NParks at 1800 471 7300 or the police.
If you’ve spotted a pangolin, you can submit a record to the Singapore Pangolin Working Group to contribute data to conservation efforts and studies.
