Some pangolins found on Chinese vessel were from Palawan — authorities

Endangered Philippine pangolins were among those found frozen in crates on the F/V Min Long Yu, the Chinese vessel that ran aground on Tubbataha Reef two weeks ago. According to a report on GMA News’ “24 Oras,” morphometrics taken by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) and Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) showed that the pangolins from the boat shared the same scale pattern and head and tail length as that of the Philippine pangolin (Manis Culionensis). “Meron mukhang galing sa Palawan, at meron ding mukhang hindi galing sa Palawan,” said Dr. Mundita Lim of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) in the report. “So there might be two species of Manis or pangolin,” she added. According to the report, because the Philippine pangolin closely resembles the Manis Javanica of Indonesia and Malaysia, wildlife officers will continue their investigation, taking DNA and blood samples from some of the pangolins from the boat to make sure of their findings. “Yung species natin, may pattern yung scale niya. Kung baga, meron siyang line na sinusundan mula sa head hanggang sa tail, which is yung isang species naman na tinitignan natin na almost the same, yung pattern ng scales niya, walang gaanong sinusundan siyang definite na form,” said a wildlife officer, identified in the report only as Glenda. The pangolins from which samples were taken were buried last Thursday, the report said. Meanwhile, the F/V Min Long Yu arrived at the Puerto Princesa Port after being stuck on the reef for over two weeks. According to the report, the ship reeked of the odor of rotting pangolins. By court order, these will be removed beginning Tuesday. Authorities have not yet reached a firm decision on where to dispose of the pangolins, which will be buried in case they are carrying disease. The vessel will also be inspected for the presence of other animals. — Amanda Lago/BM, GMA News