Habitat Destruction & Degradation

Other than the illegal wildlife trade, the next biggest threat to the pangolin population is the destruction and degradation of their homes. The exponential rise in human population and rapid economic growth in Southeast Asia has led us to encroach on wildlife territory and reduce the once large stretches of forest to tiny pockets of trees. Land is being cleared and converted for the purposes of urbanization, industrialization and the expansion or intensification of agriculture; adding pressure on the dwindling number of pangolins.

A tree stands alone in a logged area prepared for palm oil plantation in Malaysia's Sarawak State

Destruction of the pangolin habitats are mainly caused by forest fragmentation and deforestation for the purposes of road expansion, logging, oil palm plantations and the building of housing and recreation (eg. golf courses). Such activities have resulted in severe habitat loss, thus reducing the movement and dispersal of the pangolin population and decreasing food abundance. It is not uncommon for pangolins to stumble into human territories in search of food, only to either end up in the hands of opportunistic hunters, ready to cash in on the illegal wildlife trade, or be killed by terrified residents who believe these unfamiliar creatures are dangerous. Pangolins are also known to get caught by nets meant to protect crops by accident or unknowingly stumble onto roads and end up as road kill.

Additionally, conversion of land to agricultural use has severe detrimental effects on the soil, leading to habitat degradation. The use of fertilizers and pesticides causes pollution and the removal of trees results in the decline of ants and termites- primary food sources for the pangolins. Construction near or within pangolin territories also reduces the quality of the habitats as the loud noises and bright lights disturb them and may cause them much stress.