Revalidation of Manis aurita, based on integrative morphological and genomic evidence

Pangolins face severe conservation threats globally, necessitating accurate taxonomy for effective conservation. Previous genomic research on the Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) identified two deeply divergent lineages (MPA and MPB), suggesting underestimated species diversity. The recent description of M. indoburmanica (corresponding to MPB), however, did not assess its relationship with historical names, particularly the subspecies M. p. aurita, leaving the groups taxonomic status uncertain. To resolve this issue, we employed an integrative framework, analyzing genomic and morphological data from museum specimens including the lectotype of M. p. aurita to clarify phylogenetic relationships and taxonomy within M. pentadactyla sensu lato. Our results demonstrate that MPB, which includes both M. indoburmanica and M. p. aurita, is geographically restricted to the southern Himalayas and thus distinct from other M. pentadactyla populations. Genomic analyses indicate the two clades diverged [~]1.8 Ma and have remained largely isolated, with only minimal gene flow with congeners. Furthermore, morphometric analyses of both cranial and external features reveal consistent and significant differentiation between the Himalayan lineage (MPB) and M. pentadactyla sensu stricto. Collectively, these congruent findings provide unequivocal support for the revalidation of Manis aurita Hodgson, 1836, thereby establishing it as a distinct extant species of Asian pangolin.