190-Year-Old Museum Specimen Solves a Pangolin Mystery

DNA from a nearly 190-year-old museum pangolin helped confirm the Himalayan pangolin as a distinct species, Manis aurita.

The study challenges the recently proposed name Manis indoburmanica and clarifies pangolin taxonomy in Nepal, northern India, and nearby areas.

Researchers combined genetic evidence with other data from museum collections to resolve the species boundary.

The clearer classification should help conservationists monitor populations, protect habitat, and support wildlife forensics against illegal trade.