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 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.