Observation on Ant and Termite Species in the Diet of Malayan Pangolin (Manis javanicus)

Saowapa Sonthichai; Pakwin Dankittipakul; Weeyawat Jaitrong

Authors

Saowapa Sonthichai Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200 THAILAND
Pakwin Dankittipakul University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, NEW ZEALAND
Weeyawat Jaitrong Thailand Natural History Museum, National Science Museum, Technopolis, Klong5, Klong luang, Pathumthani, 12120, THAILAND

Keywords:

Manis javanicus, ant, termite, Doi Chiang Dao

Abstract

A juvenile Malayan pangolin, Manis javanica was found in May 2001. It was caught by hand and ejected a mound of feces. The feces were washed and the residue was kept in 75% ethanol and examined under a stereomicroscope. Ant and termite body parts were found in large quantities. The following species of ants were identified: Dolichoderus thoracicus, D. tuberifer, Dorylus wishnui, Camponotus (Tanaemyrmex) sp., Polyrhachis (Campomyrma) halidayi and Oecophylla smaragdina. In addition the remains of the termite Termes sp. were found.

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