Husbandry, behaviour and conservation breeding of Indian pangolin

Little is known about the biology of Indian pangolins (Manis crassicaudata) both in captivity and wild. Nandankanan Zoological Park, India (NKZP) is maintaining Indian pangolin in captivity since last 50 years (1962–2013). The housing, husbandry and behavioural observations that have contributed to successful upkeep and breeding of Indian pangolins at NKZP are described in the present paper. The successful maintenance and breeding of this elusive nocturnal species indicate that it can survive in captivity with application of established care techniques. The species can be maintained more successfully in captivity with provisions for their unique biological and behavioural needs.