Pangolins: The Guardians of the Forest

All over the world, Pangolins have reached the point of extinction. At the present time, an unreal crisis has appeared in the life of Pangolins. Pangolin is one of the most trafficked mammals in the world. Due to this, they are facing imminent danger. These gentle creatures are disappearing due to illegal poaching and trade. But it is our responsibility and duty to properly protect and manage these creatures. Commonly known as an anteater, the Pangolin is the only mammal species, whose body is covered with scales. A total of nine species of Pangolins are found in Asia and Africa.

©Naresh Kusi

Pangolins are solitary, preferring to wander alone, and are nocturnal in nature. They especially prefer to live in forest areas and grasslands. This uniquely featured Pangolin's diet includes ants and termites.

Pangolins have long tongues and strong claws, which help in finding and eating the ants and termites hiding in the pits, holes, and cracks of the ground.

Among the nine pangolin species surviving in the world, Nepal shelters two: the Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) and the Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata). Indian pangolins have narrow mouths and pointed heads. They have 15 to 18 rows of dark brown hairs on their body and weigh up to 9 kg. Chinese pangolins possess corn-shaped heads and long muzzles, weighing around 10–16 kg, with 13–15 rows of overlapping gray scales. 

A recent national survey uncovered the presence of pangolins in 43 districts of Nepal. Approximately 5000 Chinese pangolins are estimated to reside in Nepal.

Importance

©Naresh Kusi

Pangolins are a vital part of our ecosystem. Pangolins are considered as the guardians of the forest. Because they protect forests from the destruction caused by invasive species, they also help to maintain a balanced ecosystem. Especially, Pangolins have an extremely important ecological role in regulating insect populations. One single Pangolin can consume around 70 million ants and termites per year. Pangolins help us control pest populations and save millions of dollars. If Pangolins become extinct, there will be a devastating effect on the environment. In fact, they act as pest controllers in nature and help to maintain the natural balance at all times.

Threats

However, their future is threatened by the slaughter of Pangolins, and illegal poaching and trade for meat, deforestation, and loss of habitat. Pangolin is mainly consumed as a delicacy in countries like Vietnam and China. It has been found that Pangolin’s carcasses are used in the production and trade of traditional medicines used to cure various diseases. However, this has not been scientifically proven. Pangolin skin is also processed into leather products such as shoes, belts, and bags. Due to illegal poaching and trade, the Pangolins have been deprived of their right to live. They are victims of cruelty and greed.

Conservation

We can manage and promote their protection and proper living. All conservationists, researchers, and the public should work together tirelessly to protect, conserve, and protect and enhance the habitat of these delicate creatures. Keeping this in mind, the Government of Nepal has classified both the Pangolin species as endangered under the National Red List under Schedule 1 of the National Parks and Wildlife Protection Act, 1973. Along with this, the protection of Pangolins and proper habitat arrangements have been included in the conservation areas at the national level.

©Pixabay

Keeping this in mind, the Government of Nepal has classified both the Pangolin species as endangered under the National Red List under Schedule 1 of the National Parks and Wildlife Protection Act, 1973. Leading this matter, the Government of Nepal aims to improve law enforcement against wildlife crime, expand protected areas, and coordinate with local communities through educational initiatives and the establishment of community poaching control units to encourage more involvement in conservation. Other research and conservation-oriented organizations are also taking various initiatives for Pangolin conservation and are making tireless efforts to raise awareness about the illegal wildlife trade and the importance of Pangolin conservation. At the same time, sustainable conservation policies are being implemented in cooperation with local communities to develop sustainable livelihoods and alternative sources of food at the community level. As a result of the formulation and implementation of sustainable conservation and promotion policies, there has been a significant reduction in the hunting or destruction of natural habitats done by the locals for livelihood

Conclusion

It is the responsibility of all of us to properly manage the habitat of Pangolins, which are about to disappear from the world, to protect them from illegal poaching and trade, to regulate them, to maintain the natural ecosystem, to ensure their natural livelihood through rehabilitation and sustainable protection. 

If not Now then when?

Let's all come together to protect the Pangolins and find a proper place for them.

Every positive action definitely has a great outcome.

©Naresh Kusi