Study on the effects of red imported fire ants invasion on the Chinese pangolin in Guangdong, China

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Abstract The Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla Linnaeus) is a critically endangered species that feeds on ants and termites. In 2022–2024, we observed two rescued pangolins being attacked by Solenopsis invicta Buren while in captivity. Clusters of pustules and erythema were found on the face, abdomen and limbs of the pangolin. Histopathological examination of the blistered tissue showed epithelial hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis of the skin tissue with surface crusting. In addition, we found remnants of S. invicta heads in the faeces of stung pangolins, suggesting that pangolins would feed on S. invicta. Currently, most of southern China has been invaded by S. invicta, so we conducted two S. invicta invasion surveys in pangolin habitats in Guangdong, and the results indicated that pangolin habitats in China have been invaded by S. invicta. Therefore, we suggest that S. invicta should be taken into account when developing conservation strategies for pangolins.

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