I. Empirical Evidence of a Critically Endangered Species' Existence: Breakthroughs in Dinghushan's Wildlife Camera Trap Footage
Amid the chirping of summer cicadas in Lingnan, wildlife camera traps in Guangdong’s Dinghushan National Nature Reserve recently captured rare footage of the Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla), a first-class national protected animal. In the images, this "forest guardian" with keratinous scales is seen moving through subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests in its characteristic gait, its nose close to the ground as it searches for ant nests—vivid proof that refutes the theory of "functional extinction."
II. Six Years of Continuous Observation: The Scientific Persistence Behind Solving the "Disappearance Mystery"
Since 2019, the Dinghushan reserve team has launched a special monitoring program for Chinese pangolins. By deploying over 80 trail cameras with night vision motion activated waterproof features, combined with techniques like fecal DNA analysis and den tracking, researchers have established a monitoring network covering 150 square kilometers of the core area. Six years of data show:
Evidence of Population Survival: A total of 217 valid images have been recorded, identifying at least 8 individuals (including 2 cubs), with activity concentrated in bamboo and broad-leaved forest ecotones at elevations of 300-800 meters.
Continuing Ecological Function: Ant population density in monitored areas is 37% lower than in non-pangolin areas, confirming their role as "forest ecosystem regulators"—each adult pangolin consumes 7 million ants and termites annually, effectively controlling pest numbers and maintaining forest health.
III. Debunking the "Functional Extinction" Theory: A Chinese Model for Endangered Species Conservation
Previously, due to habitat fragmentation, poaching, and other threats, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classified the Chinese pangolin as "Critically Endangered (CR)" in 2019, with some scholars even proposing the hypothesis of "functional extinction." Dinghushan’s long-term observation results are the first to use chronological scientific data to prove:
Existence of Locally Stable Populations: Through habitat restoration (such as transforming bamboo forests into mixed forests) and anti-poaching patrols (over 200 night patrols annually), relatively stable breeding units have formed within the reserve.
Replicable Protection Models: Its protection system of "trail camera monitoring + community co-management + ecological compensation" provides a practical model for potential pangolin distribution areas in the Nanling and Wuyi Mountains. In 2023, Guangxi, Fujian, and other regions also reported pangolin activity records, indicating the possibility of regional population recovery.
IV. Ecological Insights: Paradigm Shift from "Individual Protection" to "Systemic Restoration"
The "reappearance" of Chinese pangolins reflects profound changes in China’s biodiversity conservation:
Habitat-First Strategy: Dinghushan has restored 23 square kilometers of suitable pangolin habitat over the past five years through returning farmland to forest and connecting fragmented habitats, while protecting their food chain (e.g., soil-dwelling ants).
Technology-Enabled Monitoring: AI image recognition technology has increased pangolin image identification efficiency by 90%, and a cross-regional data-sharing platform has been established to link monitoring networks in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Community Participation Mechanism: Surrounding villagers have been recruited as "ecological forest rangers," and "pangolin-themed eco-tourism" (such as science trails and real-time monitoring screens for camera trap footage) has been developed, turning conservation achievements into community development dividends.
V. Future Challenges: The Long Road from "Local Survival" to "Population Revitalization"
Despite these achievements, Chinese pangolin conservation still faces severe challenges:
Genetic Diversity Crisis: The genetic similarity of the existing monitored population is as high as 89%, requiring the construction of ecological corridors to facilitate individual migration.
Underground Illegal Trade: In 2024, 11 pangolin scale smuggling cases were cracked nationwide, necessitating strengthened cross-departmental law enforcement and international cooperation (e.g., implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).
Climate Change Threats: Models predict that if the average annual temperature rises by 1.5°C, suitable habitat in Dinghushan will shrink by 42%, requiring forward-looking research on habitat migration simulations.
The "Return" of One Pangolin, the Guardianship of Thousands
When wildlife camera traps capture pangolin footage again, it is not just proof of a species’ survival but also a microcosm of China’s ecological civilization construction. From "rescue protection" to "systemic restoration," from the 日夜坚守 (day and night perseverance) of researchers to the participation of community members, the story of the Chinese pangolin tells us: the future of every species lies in humanity’s attitude toward nature. As Master Chen, a Dinghushan forest ranger, said: "We are not guarding just one pangolin but the breath of the entire forest."
