PANGOLIN

Pangolins (Manis crassicaudata; Manis pentadactyla) are also commonly called “Salak” in Nepal. These animals are also known as living fossils because they have been around for over 80 million years. They are sought after because of their precious scales. Their scales are used for making oriental medicines in China. Pangolins are the most trafficked mammal in the globe, with about 20% of the illegal wildlife trade accounted for Pangolins. Here, two species of Pangolins are present, and both of them are endangered [1] .

They are small insectivores with scale-covered backs. They curl up into a ball when they are threatened. Those hard balls make a tough layering which protects them from external injury.

The present population distribution status of [angolin in Nepal accounts for 44 districts out of 77 district, however, total pangolin individual population estimate is still unavailiable.

Pangolins are the only mammals with keratinized covering and has the ability to harden under threat. Their nocturnal habit with feeding on ants and termites. They live in trees and hollow burrows. The skill of pangolins to burrow tree and soil is the remarkable feature for its escape from the particular site.

The use and preference of pangolins with ethnomedicinal and veterinary studies are quite lacking in Nepalese ethnic community but its importance to Chinese traditional medicine is highly remarkable. Chinese traditional healers recommend pangolins in treatment of ailments like malaria fever, devils, jaundice, and various other ethnomedicinal formulations. The importance of pangolins in Chinese traditional medicine remarks the high value demand from Nepalese territory. In contrast to their use in traditional medicines many sources revealed that pangolins were the source for corona virus outbreak. In press conference at South China Agricultural University in Guangzhou on 7 February one of the co-author claimed that Sudan pangolins carry corona viruses. Now this might be the next gateway for pangolins in-situ conservation promotion.

Due to excessive poaching, the available two of the pangolin species of Nepal has been listed in IUCN red list.

The IUCN red list animal has been taken care for the conservation and its protection from being rare and even from the verge of extinction. Several organizations like IUCN, WWF, Ministry of forest and environment, Small Mammal Conservation and Research Foundation.

Due to excessive poaching ministry of forest and environment has promulgated an act on pangolin protection. The main reason for adopting act is due to high rate of poaching and its supply over territory. Also, the loss of territory, Habitat Loss, Degradation, Shrinkage and Fragmentation and climate change has been a greater issues related to declining number of pangolins. The NPWC Act 1973 has placed both species of pangolins under schedule I as protected wildlife highlighting the need for urgent conservation actions. Despite receiving inadequate priority in the past, nowadays, both the species of pangolins are getting attention at national level.

The action plan suggested for conserving pangolins population are [2]:

·        Conduct awareness campaigns on protected species, antipoaching and conservation laws.

·         Conduct capacity building program to PA and DFO staff, judiciary, custom offices, airports postal services, transport and other relevant private sectors

·        Conduct training for protected areas staff, DFOs of priority areas and communities anti-poaching units on the use of appropriate new technology

·          Improve the wildlife crime investigation process and enhance the evidence collection system through capacity building and training Strengthen, build capacity and mobilize community based anti-poaching units in all PAs and priority districts

·          Strengthen informant networks, information gathering and communication networks for anti-poaching operation

·         Expand and strengthen WCCBs in additional districts along trade routes

·          Provide equipment and logistics support to maintain and improve anti-poaching operations

·         Engage WCCB and law enforcement agencies in controlling pangolin poaching and trade

·         Conduct capacity building program for mobilization of BZUCs (Buff er Zone User Committees), CFUGs (Community Forest User group) and Conservation Area Management Committees (CAMC) and other local stakeholders to control poaching at local level

·         Organize regular coordination meetings at local, regional and national level for sharing information on pangolin related activities

·        Organize regular transboundary cons

Government, NGO’s and INGS’s are working their best to copeup with the present problems on pangolins declination and poaching. But to individual level for the conservation of pangolins and other associated animals much prior option is the community mobilization. As all of we know prevention is better than cure so rather waiting for the consequences local leaders and local community members should be made alert regarding their conservation and protection. The only and most important way as mobilization of local force is required as no one loves their mother nature and their local territory than others.

Thanks and regards.

References

 [1]      “Pangolin Conservation Ac t i o n P l a n fo r N e p a l,” 2018.

[2]      “The pangolin trade explained: Situation in Nepal - The Pangolin Reports.” [Online]. Available: https://www.pangolinreports.com/nepal/. [Accessed: 30-Jun-2020].