Pangolin

• 02 Aug 2021

Why in News

Recently, a pangolin was rescued by a team from Noida and handed over to the forest department.

Key Points

• About:
  
  • The pangolin, also called scaly anteater, is an elongated, armour-plated insectivore mammal.
  • It uses these scales as armour to defend itself against predators by rolling into a ball when threatened.
  • Also, a pangolin’s long claws help it to dig the ground for termites, which is its staple food.
• Species of Pangolin:
  
  • Seven species of pangolin are found across the world, of which, two are found in India, namely Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) and Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla).
  • The Indian Pangolin is found throughout the country south of the Himalayas, excluding the north-eastern region while the Chinese Pangolin ranges through Assam and the eastern Himalayas.
  • The Chinese pangolin is distinguished from other Asian pangolins by its almost helmeted appearance, smaller scales than the Indian pangolin.
• Habitat:
  
  • It is adaptable to a wide range of habitats including primary and secondary tropical forests, limestone and bamboo forests, grasslands and agricultural fields.
• Threats:
  
  • Once known to be found in large numbers, its population is rapidly declining in its range due to habitat loss and rampant poaching for its skin, scales, and meat.
  • It is a highly trafficked mammal; due to their huge demand for medicinal purposes, pangolins are smuggled through roads and rails and sent to China.
• Protection Status:
  
  • As per International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the pangolin is part of the “red list”.
    
    • While the Indian pangolin is listed as “endangered” and the Chinese pangolin has been listed as “critically endangered”.
  • All pangolin species are listed in Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Appendix I.
  • In India, pangolins, both Indian and Chinese, are protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.
    
    • Therefore, hunting, trade or any other form of utilisation of the species or their body parts and derivatives is banned.
    • In India, hunting and poaching can invite prison time up to 7 years since it involves maximum protection under the section of the Wildlife Act.

Source: IE