Abstract
The population of Indian pangolin in Chakwal district is under serious threat due to various biological and human induced factors leading to rapid decline. Limited data on their habitat in Pakistan hinders conservation efforts. To address this issue, we conducted a comprehensive study combining a literature review, expert interviews and field surveys. We identified the presence of pangolins at 50 sites through direct observations and features such as burrows and scats along 15 transects and 11 quadrats covering different habitats. Our findings reveal that forested areas, characterized by medium-textured brown soil at altitudes between 400 and 1,300 meters above sea level, host the highest concentration of pangolin burrows. Maximum Entropy Model (MaxEnt) version 3.4.1 was used to model potential habitat distribution of Indian Pangolin in the study area with more than 100 sightings data from survey and literature. The results of the logistic regression analysis indicated strong correlations between pangolin sightings with distance from waterbodies, termite site presence, topographic diversity, open forest cover and precipitation. It was found that 7.8% (517 sq. km) of Chakwal district has been identified as highly suitable, consisting of fragmented upland forest and grassland and another 26% (1,579 sq. km) as moderately suitable habitat. These findings are essential for understanding the distribution of pangolins in Chakwal district and formulating effective conservation strategies. They provide the basis for local management plans aimed at protecting pangolin natural habitats and ensure their continued protection amid ongoing environmental challenges.