Habitat selection and distribution changes of Chinese pangolins (Manis pentadactyla pusilla) in Hainan tropical rainforests

Understanding habitat selection is crucial for conservation. The Chinese pangolin, once widespread in southern China and Asia, underwent severe range and population declines in the late 20th century. We studied habitat selection and distribution changes of the Hainan subspecies (M. pentadactyla pusilla, hereafter the Hainan pangolin) over three decades using transect and camera-trap data (1990s–2020s) from Jianfengling, Hainan. Findings revealed that Hainan pangolins predominantly selected habitats characterized by relatively high humidity (Precipitation of Driest Month > 20 mm), higher elevations, and steeper slopes. Specifically, they exhibited distinct preferences: a preference for north-facing aspects in the 1990s and for smaller daily temperature variations (Mean Diurnal Range < 6.6 °C) in the 2020s. Critically, pangolins used habitats near roads and forest edges (particularly within natural forests in the 2020s, likely linked to food availability) where human disturbance concentrates, but concurrently preferred higher elevations and steeper slopes to mitigate anthropogenic pressures. Over the past three decades, the habitat in Jianfengling decreased by 26%, with some habitat loss occurring in the north and new habitats observed in the south. Conservation efforts should prioritize protecting mountainous regions with humid and warm climates. Strengthening afforestation initiatives and enforcing strict hunting prohibitions are recommended to ensure sustainable recovery for this vulnerable species. This study underscores the importance of incorporating multi-period habitat selection data into conservation strategies for endangered species.