Dietary composition of the Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) in Gir National Park, India

Abstract Background The Indian pangolin is a globally endangered species and accorded the highest level of protection under legislation. has wide distribution in country. However, information on its ecology scanty with limited accounts diet free-ranging population. Results We studied tropical dry deciduous forest Gir National Park, India. A total 12 faecal samples form 22 pellets were collected between November 2019 March 2020. matter’s length, diameter girth 4.80 cm ± 0.40 SE, 2.72 0.12 SE 8.49 0.41 respectively. weight matter was 22.31 g 3.24 SE. composition content by majorly contributed insect (56.53%), followed grit (42.35%) plant (1.12%). Faecal content’s analysis through microscopy revealed that most frequent constituent (53.59%), (46.26%) (0.05%); 0.1% constituents could not be identified. ant genera contributing to include Camponotus, Crematogaster, Dorylus, Lophomyrmex, Monomorium, Myrmicaria, Pheidole Tetraponera . termite consumed Odontotermes Cryptotermes Conclusions study’s findings contribute enhance ecological knowledge hitherto unexplored habitat hold implications ex situ conservation efforts rescue rehabilitation pangolins similar landscapes.