Southernmost record of the Chinese pangolin Manis pentadactyla in Gia Lai province, Central Highlands of Vietnam

Abstract We present a new camera-trap record of the Critically Endangered Chinese pangolin Manis pentadactyla in Vietnam, from a survey during January–November 2022 in Kon Ka Kinh National Park, Gia Lai Province. This record is c. 950 km south of the only other previous camera-trap records of the species in Vietnam. We obtained three camera-trap images of an individual M. pentadactyla at 1,600 m altitude, highlighting the potential importance of this Park for M. pentadactyla in Vietnam. We confirmed the identification through expert consultation and morphological analysis. This record suggests that the range of M. pentadactyla extends into central Vietnam. Further research and conservation efforts in Kon Ka Kinh National Park are required, to safeguard this enigmatic species and its habitat.