Investigating the habitat, distribution and threats to the Chinese Pangolin (<em>Manis Pentadactyla</em> Linnaeus, 1758) in the Terai and Chure Community forests of Morang District, Eastern Nepal

Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla Linnaeus, 1758) is a nocturnal, solitary, and highly threatened mammal belonging to the order Pholidota and family Manidae. This study assessed habitat preference, distribution, and major threats to the Chinese pangolin in the Terai and Chure community forests of Morang District, eastern Nepal, to support evidence-based conservation strategies. Field surveys were conducted using a block transect method (900 × 500 m²) whenever burrows or indirect signs were detected. Within each block, a 900 m central transect was established, and five 100 × 100 m² plots were laid at 100 m intervals to record habitat variables. A total of 104 burrows were documented, with 25 located in the Terai and 79 in the Chure region, indicating greater occurrence in the Chure forests. The species showed a clear preference for Shorea robusta-dominated forests. Burrows were frequently associated with specific herb and shrub species and were recorded at elevations ranging from 150 to 1200 m, with the highest density between 600–900 m. Pangolin burrows were most commonly found on slopes of 25°–50°, in areas with moderate canopy cover (25–50%), and predominantly in yellow soil. Ground cover was generally sparse (0–25%). Aspect analysis showed that burrows mainly faced northeast in the Terai and east to southeast in the Chure region. Burrow density decreased with increasing distance from water sources, highlighting the importance of water availability in habitat selection. Conversely, burrow occurrence increased with distance from roads and settlements, indicating sensitivity to anthropogenic disturbance. Interviews and field observations identified illegal hunting, habitat fragmentation, mining activities, and deforestation as major threats to the species in the study area. These findings provide quantitative evidence of habitat preferences and human-induced pressures affecting Chinese pangolins in Morang District. Strengthening law enforcement, promoting community awareness, and implementing sustainable forest management practices are essential to ensure long-term conservation of this critically endangered species.