The recent rescue of a pangolin in Noida highlights the urgent concern over the protection of this unique mammal. Known as the scaly anteater, the pangolin faces severe threats from habitat loss and poaching. This article seeks to explore more about this unique creature, its various species, its habitats, the threats it confronts, and the protection status it currently enjoys.
About the Pangolin
The pangolin, sometimes known as the scaly anteater, is a distinctively elongated insectivore mammal. A unique feature of the pangolin is its armor plating of scales, which serves as a defensive measure against predators. Just like a hedgehog, the pangolin rolls into a ball when threatened. The pangolin’s long claws are instrumental for digging into the ground in search of termites, its main food source.
Species of Pangolin
There are seven species of pangolins worldwide. In India, two particular species can be found – the Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) and the Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla). The Indian Pangolin, excluding the north-eastern region, is found throughout the country south of the Himalayas. The Chinese Pangolin, on the other hand, has its range through Assam and the eastern Himalayas. The Chinese pangolin is easily identifiable due to its almost helmet-like appearance and smaller scales compared to the Indian pangolin.
Habitat
Pangolins have a broad adaptation capacity to different habitats. Their habitats range from primary and secondary tropical forests to limestone and bamboo forests. They’re also found in grasslands and agricultural fields.
Threats
Despite its previous existence in vast numbers, the pangolin population is rapidly declining due to severe habitat loss and uncontrolled poaching. The precious scales, skin, and meat of this mammal make it a prime target for poachers. The high demand for pangolins for medicinal purposes makes them a highly trafficked mammal, often smuggled via roads and rails to China.
Protection Status
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), pangolins are on the “red list”. The organization lists the Indian pangolin as “endangered” and the Chinese pangolin as “critically endangered”. All species of pangolins are listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). In India, both the Indian and Chinese pangolins are protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. This Act prohibits hunting, trade, or any other form of utilization of these species, their body parts, or derivatives. Violations, such as hunting and poaching, can lead to prison terms of up to 7 years under the Act’s protection.
Last Modified: February 13, 2024