Application of Wildlife Rescue System in Conservation of the Formosan Pangolins (Manis pentadactyla pentadactyla)

• Main Authors: Pei-Jung Wang, 王珮蓉
• Other Authors: Lin-Lin Lee
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2007
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/63612184129872733356

碩士 === 國立臺灣大學 === 生態學與演化生物學研究所 === 95 === In order to efficiently collect information and tissue samples of pangolins rescued by residents around Taiwan, we assisted in designing and executing a wildlife rescue system for the Formosan Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla pentadactyla). Data and samples collected from this system were analyzed to evaluate its efficiency in providing information for pangolin conservation. This study also examined genetic variability and structure across pangolin populations in Taiwan by using mtDNA sequences of left domain of control region and the partial cytochrome-b gene (Cytb). Implication of the results from these analyses in pangolin management and conservation was discussed. We analyzed data of 150 rescue cases recorded from 1993~2006. The number of cases per year went up to 44 after the initiation of wildlife rescue system in 2006, which is at least twice as many as cases reported each year in the past. All counties in Taiwan have records of pangolin rescue, but the number of cases accumulated from different counties varied. Most of the cases are reported from north and central Taiwan (n=69). Cases from the south (n=12) and east (n=10) are relatively fewer. This may be due to differences in conservation awareness and attitude towards conservation actions of residents in different counties. Our analysis also found that more cases of pangolin rescue were gathered in May and June than in other months, irrespective of gender or areas, which is probably related to the breeding season of pangolin. Genetic data of 88 tissue samples identified distinct haplotypes from north, central, south and east Taiwan. Gene flow among pangolins from these four areas is limited. Genetic divergence (Fst) between north and east Taiwan is the highest, whereas that between east and south is the lowest. AMOVA showed different proportion of molecular variance in four areas. Based on results of these analyses, we recommend that the four areas should be treated as different units for conservation management. In addition, central Taiwan might have conserved more ancient haplotypes than in other areas, and deserved more emphasis in conservation and research. Data and tissue samples collected after the initiation of wildlife rescue system have increased significantly. It is important to enhance accurate data recording and sample collection from the wildlife rescue system to facilitate further research and planning of conservation strategies and actions for pangolin in the future.