Endangered pangolins seen in Dongguan area

For the first time in two decades, two endangered Chinese pangolins have been spotted in Dongguan, Guangdong province, signaling that a breeding population may exist in the area, according to the city's forestry bureau.

Two adult pangolins were captured on infrared cameras looking for food on April 26 and 29 on a forest farm in Zhangmutou township, the bureau said. A young pangolin was also found at the farm in March.

The cameras, which were installed after the younger pangolin was observed, were retrieved on July 3 for study.

The farm is in the center of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and the appearance of the three animals indicates an improving ecology and biological diversity — the result of enhanced protection of forests — the bureau said.