Examining the social-ecological dimensions of Philippine pangolin (Manis culionensis) conservation

Pangolins are the world’s most trafficked mammals due to the persistent international demand for their scales and meat. The critically endangered Philippine pangolin ( Manis culionensis ) is one of the eight extant pangolin species worldwide. It is endemic to Palawan Biosphere Reserve, a province in the Philippines which experiences several social and environmental challenges. We examine the state of Philippine pangolin research using Ostrom’s Social-Ecological Systems framework as a conceptual and analytical guide in this paper. By employing a systematic literature review, we analyse the emergent themes from existing research and gathered insights on the interactions and outcomes among habitat, resource use, institutions and policies, and diversity of actors involved in Philippine pangolin research and conservation. We discuss several knowledge gaps and offer recommendations for future research and conservation efforts. Finally, we call for implementing interdisciplinary and multistakeholder approaches to knowledge co-production on Philippine pangolin research and conservation.