The Madhya Pradesh forest department has made a pioneering move by radio-tagging an Indian Pangolin for the first time. Radio-tagging, a technique that involves attaching a transmitter to an animal in order to monitor its movements, has been utilized on numerous wild creatures such as tigers, leopards, and migratory birds over several decades. This unique initiative regarding the Indian Pangolin seeks to gain knowledge about its ecology and construct an effective conservation plan. The timing is significant as the world readies to observe the ninth ‘World Pangolin Day’ on February 15, 2020.
World Pangolin Day
World Pangolin Day, commemorated on the third Saturday of every February, is a global endeavor aimed at heightening awareness about pangolins. The day brings together various stakeholders with a common goal of protecting these species from possible extinction. The radio-tagging exercise is a collaborative project between the forest department and a non-profit body called the Wildlife Conservation Trust (WCT).
Pangolins in India
Of the total eight species of pangolins, only the Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) and the Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) inhabit India. The Indian Pangolin is a large anteater with 11-13 rows of scales lining its back. A notable characteristic of this species is the terminal scale situated on the lower side of its tail, a feature absent in its Chinese counterpart.
Habitat
The Indian Pangolin is widespread across India, barring regions such as the arid region, the high Himalayas, and the North-East. Pangolins can also be spotted in countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Conversely, the Chinese Pangolin resides in the Himalayan foothills of Eastern Nepal, Bhutan, Northern India, North-East Bangladesh, and throughout Southern China.
Threats to Pangolins in India
The biggest threats faced by pangolins in India come in the form of hunting and poaching. These activities are typically carried out for local consumption due to their protein-rich meat and use in traditional medicine. Furthermore, an international trade has emerged that illegally sells pangolin meat and scales in East and South East Asian nations, primarily China and Vietnam.
Protection Status
Based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List assessment, the Indian Pangolin is categorized as endangered, with the Chinese Pangolin in a more severe, critically endangered state. To further bolster their protection, both these species are enlisted under Schedule I, Part I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Through greater awareness and sustained conservation efforts, there’s hope for the future of these unique creatures.