A young pangolin was found in March at a forest farm in Zhangmutou township, Dongguan, Guangdong province. [Provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

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.

An infrared camera captured an adult Chinese pangolin looking for food on a forest farm in Zhangmutou township, Dongguan, Guangdong province, on April 29. [Provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The cameras, which were installed after the younger pangolin was observed, were retrieved on Saturday 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.