Sunda Pangolin

Manis javanica

The Sunda pangolin, Manis javanica, also called the Malayan pangolin, is a nocturnal scaly mammal of Southeast Asia. Its overlapping scales are made of keratin, and when threatened it curls into a tight ball that protects the soft belly. It has no teeth; instead, it uses a long sticky tongue, strong foreclaws, and a muscular stomach to feed on ants and termites. The tail is partly prehensile, helping it climb as well as forage on the ground.

Sunda pangolin work is dominated by rescue, rehabilitation, law enforcement, and conservation planning because the species has been heavily trafficked for scales and meat. It is not a suitable pet, and confiscated animals often arrive dehydrated, injured, or stressed after transport. Care teams must provide quiet holding, appropriate ant and termite-based or carefully formulated diets, secure climbing space, parasite treatment, and minimal handling. Release decisions depend on health, origin, and available protected habitat. Field work includes patrols, trade investigations, community reporting, and studies of burrows, camera-trap records, and home ranges.