Mapping the distribution of the Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) within natural forest in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo

Borneo Malaysia Poachingprojected the distribution of Sunda pangolins in Sabah.Additionally, we assessed the accessibility of their forest habitats to humans to understand potential threats.Our model indicated that, as of 2015, approximately half of Sabah's land area (39,530 km 2 ) is suitable for pangolins, with 43% in protected forests, 38% in production forests, and 19% outside of these areas.Alarmingly, our data suggest that nearly all (91%) of these suitable habitats are relatively easily accessible to poachers.Our findings provide a state-level baseline understanding of Sunda pangolin distribution and assess potential threats in Sabah.These can inform short-and long-term conservation management plans for pangolin to safeguard this critically endangered species.