Over 1,000 pangolins poached and trafficked in India
Recently, according to a new report by the World-Wide Fund for Nature-India, more than 1,000 pangolins have been poached and smuggled in India from the year 2018-2022.
Most of the incidents of hunting and confiscation in India took place in Odisha, and it was also from here that most of the pangolins were obtained.
Pangolin | Description
- Pangolins are one of the most trafficked wild mammals globally.
- The pangolin is the only mammal that is completely covered with scales. It uses scales to protect itself.
- It eats ants, termites etc. Hence, it is called scaly anteater. It is a solitary and mainly nocturnal creature.
- Pangolin is an ecosystem engineer, which helps in soil circulation.
- Its scales are used in traditional medicines. Also, its meat is also consumed.
- Out of 8 species of pangolin, two are found in India. Indian Pangolin (Endangered), Chinese Pangolin (Critically Endangered).
Natural Habitat:
- It is adaptable to a wide range of habitats, including primary and secondary tropical forests, limestone and bamboo forests, grasslands and agricultural areas.
- The Indian pangolin is found in the Indian subcontinent while the presence of the Chinese pangolin has been observed in Bihar, West Bengal and Assam.
Conservation Status:
- The Indian pangolin is listed in the Endangered (EN) category in the Red List of animals published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
- While the Chinese pangolin is listed as “critically endangered”.
- In India, both Indian and Chinese pangolins are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, which prohibits their hunting, trade or any other use.
- All species of pangolins are listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Sourc – The Hindu
