DR. CHONG JU LIAN
Saving the Sunda Pangolin: A Mission of Passion and Purpose
A Look at the Key Threats
Once widespread across Malaysia and Southeast Asia, the Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) is facing a rapid decline, with its population now on the brink of extinction. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the species as Critically Endangered, in estimating that its numbers have dropped by over 80% in the last two decades. Yet the pangolin has an important role to play in the soil's nutrient cycle and in the control of the population of ants and termites. Without the pangolin, the soil would be much less productive.
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Illegal wildlife trade is the biggest threat to the Sunda pangolin. With its scales believed, but not scientifically proven, to have medicinal properties and its meat considered a delicacy in China and Vietnam, the demand for pangolin products has fueled a black market worth millions. Malaysia has become a major trafficking hotspot, serving as both a source and transit country. In 2019, authorities seized over 30 tonnes of pangolin products in Sabah, marking one of the largest pangolin busts in history. Despite strict laws under the Peninsular Malaysia and Wildlife Conservation Act 2010, Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 and Sarawak's Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998, enforcement remains problematic, and trafficking networks continue to thrive. The source of poaching is often the impoverished local communities who then sell the animals onto organised international networks.
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Beyond poaching, habitat destruction is another major threat. The rapid expansion of palm oil plantations, logging, and urban development has led to massive deforestation, leaving pangolins with fewer places to live and reproduce. Malaysia has lost nearly 30% of its forest cover since 2000, forcing many pangolins into human-dominated landscapes, where they become vulnerable to poaching, road accidents, and rare cases of being attacked by dogs.
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Adding to the crisis is the pangolin’s low reproduction rate. Unlike many small mammals, female Sunda pangolins usually give birth to only one baby per year. This slow reproduction makes it impossible for populations to recover at the same rate they are being wiped out. Without intervention, pangolins could disappear completely from Malaysia’s forests within a few decades.
From Research to Advocacy: A holistic approach
Ju Lian has been a dedicated advocate for pangolin conservation since 2008, engaging in a wide range of efforts, including scientific research, policy advocacy, and community education. Her groundbreaking work on the Sunda pangolin has earned widespread recognition, as she has conducted extensive research on its ecology, biology, and genetics. Her findings have significantly contributed to scientific understanding and informed conservation strategies at both the national and international levels.
A key example is the contribution she made in the uplisting of pangolins to Appendix I of CITES, the highest level of legal protection against wildlife trafficking. Additionally, her expertise in juvenile pangolin identification has aided in the successful prosecution of illegal trade cases in Malaysia.
Community Engagement
Beyond research, Ju Lian and her team have made a profound impact through public awareness and community engagement. They actively educated Malaysians about the Sunda pangolin’s conservation challenges through campaigns, public talks, social media, and publications, including the award-winning book 'Tenggiling Sunda Khazanah Alam Malaysia'. Ju Lian's efforts have significantly increased public interest and awareness of pangolins, particularly in Malaysia. She is also deeply committed to community-based conservation, working closely with rural and indigenous communities to promote the importance of pangolins in the ecosystem and cultural heritage. Through these initiatives, she strives to reduce poaching, foster local conservation efforts, and ensure the Sunda pangolin remains a vital part of Malaysia’s biodiversity.
Collaborating for Conservation at home and abroad
Ju Lian and her team have strengthened conservation efforts by building strategic partnerships with organizations such as the Malaysian Nature Society and collaborating with various stakeholders and government agencies. These collaborations have helped reinforce conservation frameworks and ensure the long-term sustainability of pangolin protection programs.
Her leadership extends beyond Malaysia, as she serves as the Co-Chair for Southeast Asia in the IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group, where she actively contributes to policy-making and conservation strategies at both regional and international levels. Recognized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as one of the leading experts on the Sunda pangolin, Dr Chong continues to contribute to global actions on pangolin conservation and protection.
Future Plans: Bridging Science and Cultural Narratives
Ju Lian believes that continuing to raise the cultural value of and preserving knowledge about the Sunda pangolin in Malaysia is vital to future conservation efforts as without knowledge, there can be no will to conserve. To that end she plans to write two books - a children’s storybook, designed to engage young readers with the importance of pangolin conservation, and a scientific book that explores local lore, taboos, and traditional stories from indigenous communities in Sabah and Sarawak. Ju Lian feels that time is of an essence now, not only because of the crisis in pangolin numbers but also because the stories on pangolins are in danger of disappearing as community elders continue to age.
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With the Biji Alam Award
Ju Lian will research, write and publish
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A children’s storybook that introduces young readers to the Sunda pangolin’s cultural and ecological significance through engaging storytelling and illustrations.The storybook, with a production timeline of approximately 8 to 12 months, will serve as an accessible educational tool for children, fostering a deeper appreciation for the Sunda pangolin from an early age.
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A scientific reference book compiling ethnozoological data for researchers, conservationists, and policymakers, providing valuable insights for conservation planning. By compiling folklore, taboos, and cultural beliefs, this initiative will highlight the deep-rooted relationship between local communities and the species. Integrating this knowledge into modern conservation efforts will enhance community engagement and ensure that cultural heritage contributes to wildlife protection. Dr. Chong envisions the scientific book as a comprehensive resource on the Sunda pangolin’s ecology, biology, and cultural significance.
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By developing these books simultaneously, Ju Lian aims to bridge scientific knowledge with cultural narratives, ensuring that the Sunda pangolin remains a vital part of Malaysia’s natural heritage while inspiring future generations to protect this endangered species.
