Zoological Assessment of the Threatened Pangolin (Manis tricuspis) in South-South Nigeria: Distribution and Threat Analysis

This study provides a systematic zoological assessment of the current distribution and principal threats facing the African white-bellied pangolin Manis tricuspis in the forest zone of South South Nigeria, covering Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa States. Pangolins are the world's most illegally traded wild mammals, and Manis tricuspis is the species most commonly seized in Nigerian trafficking operations, yet current distribution data from the South South zone are absent from the scientific literature. Using camera trap surveys deployed at 40 stations across 120 trap-nights in forest habitats, and structured interviews with 60 hunters, traders, and community leaders, species detection probability, habitat associations, and commercial offtake estimates were derived. Manis tricuspis was confirmed at 12 of 40 camera stations. Occupancy modelling indicated strong negative associations with proximity to settlements and logging roads. Hunter interviews estimated that approximately 3,200 to 4,800 pangolins were captured annually across the three-state survey area, of which over 80 percent were destined for commercial sale to urban markets and international trafficking networks. Forest clearing for oil palm and rubber was identified as a compounding habitat threat. The study establishes the first camera trap-based distribution dataset for Manis tricuspis in the South South zone and provides a threat assessment directly applicable to developing CITES-compliant national action plan updates for pangolin conservation in Nigeria. Keywords: pangolin, Manis tricuspis, distribution, illegal wildlife trade, South South Nigeria.