Pangolins in Singapore
About pangolins in Singapore and what to do when you encounter them
Last updated 31 October 2025
 - Max Khoo.JPG)
What are pangolins?
Pangolins are the only mammal in the world whose entire bodies are covered in protective keratin scales, made up of compressed hair. They are found in Asia and Africa.
In Singapore, there is only one native species of pangolin, the Sunda Pangolin or Malayan Pangolin (Manis javanica). It is a shy, nocturnal and solitary mammal.
Distribution and Habitat
Sunda pangolins reside in Southeast Asia. In Singapore, they are distributed across major forest patches, including Central Catchment Nature Reserve, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Western Catchment, Pulau Ubin, and more. They sometimes wander into residential areas from nearby forests.
Behaviour
The Sunda pangolin uses its strong, prehensile tail to climb trees and its powerful claws to dig for ants and termites underground. When threatened, it curls up into an armoured ball. It may also use its anal gland to produce a foul smell to deter predators.
Important Ecological Role(s)
Pangolin adults may consume about 70 million termites and ants per year, which helps control of the termite and ant population. Their digging action used when feeding also helps to loosen and aerate the soil.
Conservation
The Sunda pangolin is listed as "Critically Endangered" in the Singapore Red Data Book 2024. In Singapore, the pangolins face the greatest threat from roadkill. The slow-moving pangolins may be injured or killed by vehicles when they stray off too far from the forested areas onto roads.
Globally, pangolins are greatly poached for its meat and scales, the latter in which is believed to have medicinal value. As the pangolins have a low fecundity rate of only 1 to 2 offspring per year, the global pangolin population is depleting at a much faster rate than it can recover.
In Singapore, it is illegal under the Wildlife Act to remove wild animals, including pangolins, from the wild. Those found in nature reserves and other areas managed by NParks are also protected by the Parks and Trees Act 2005. Furthermore, a total trade ban has been placed on wild pangolins under the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act.
What can I do to help?
If you witness any illegal trading or poaching, collect evidence such as photos or videos of the traps, animals, poachers, and/or their vehicle license plate number. Then, call NParks' Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600 to provide information to the authorities.
If you see a pangolin, report your sightings and contribute resources or media you have to various animal research and welfare groups to assist in research and conservation efforts.
Do not buy any pangolin products, such as meat, scales and medicinal products. Raise awareness by sharing with your friends and family about the threats to pangolins, and what they can do to help.
What should I do when I encounter a pangolin?
If you come across pangolins that are injured, distressed or trapped, call our Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600 and we will send professionals who are trained in handling and caring for wildlife to assist you.
Please avoid handling the pangolin yourself as this may cause further stress or injury to the animal. The pangolin may also bite in self-defence.
Do not be alarmed.
These animals are shy and will not attack humans.
Do not approach, touch, chase or corner them.
Leave it alone, especially if it is in its natural habitat. Pangolins will be frightened from your presence. Keep a safe distance away from the animal and observe it from afar.
Observe them.
It is not very often that you will get to see a live pangolin as they are shy and elusive. Share your findings with pangolin research and welfare groups.
If you have further queries, please contact us through our online feedback form at https://www.avs.gov.sg/feedback.
Photo by Max Khoo