Animal Biology 65 (2015) 57–71 brill.com/ab Distribution, abundance and diet of the Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) Nausheen Irshad 1 , Tariq Mahmood 1 , Riaz Hussain 1 and Muhammad Sajid Nadeem 2,∗ 1 Department of Wildlife Management, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi 46300, Pakistan 2 Department of Zoology, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi 46300, Pakistan Submitted: July 20, 2014. Final revision received: January 23, 2015. Accepted: January 29, 2015 Abstract Endangered species often inhabit specific habitats and are dependent on specific prey. The Indian pan- golin (Manis crassicaudata) is an “endangered”, inimitable mammal currently in jeopardy in Pakistan. Very little data are available about its ecology that could serve as baseline for its conservation. In the current study, we investigated the Indian pangolin’s distribution, abundance and diet in four districts of Potohar Plateau. The species was found evenly distributed in two study districts, while it showed patchy distribution in the remaining two districts, and it occurred up to a maximum elevation of 862 m a.s.l. Population density showed a sharp and significant decline over a period of three years from 2010 to 2013. Faecal matter of the species was found to contain remains of ants (head, abdominal parts, legs) as the second-most voluminous component of the droppings, following soil or clay. Remains of other food sources, like termites, bugs, wood and grasses, were found in minor percentages. Our study reveals that the main prey items of Indian pangolins include two species of black ants (Cam- ponotus confucii and Camponotus compressus), and one species of termite (Odontotermis obesus). The recorded population decline indicates that conservation measures may be needed. Keywords Diet; distribution; Indian pangolin; Pakistan; population; Potohar Introduction Endangered species often inhabit specific habitats and are dependent on specific prey. The Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) is one such species. It is one of ∗) Corresponding author; e-mail: sajidaaur@gmail.com  Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2015 DOI 10.1163/15707563-00002462