Sunda pangolins may go extinct in Sabah due to poaching, says state Wildlife director

(File picture) In this file photo taken on June 30, 2017, a juvenile Sunda pangolin can be seen feeding on termites at the Singapore Zoo. - Photo: AFP

KOTA KINABALU: There are fears that the Sunda pangolin, also known as the Malayan or Javan pangolin, may become extinct in Sabah due to illegal hunting, says Augustine Tuuga.

The Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) director said Sabah had been the focus of poachers and smugglers of the Sunda pangolins, which is scientifically known as Manis javanica, resulting in a shrinkage of the population of the animal in the state.