Guwahati, 18th June: A Chinese pangolin was rescued by villagers in the Sarpamari area of Dhubri district after it appeared in a local house. The villagers promptly handed over the animal to the Forest Department, which is responsible for the region’s wildlife conservation.
The rescue took place in the village of Sarpamari near Dheerbeel, demonstrating a successful collaboration between local communities and wildlife authorities. Such efforts are essential for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring the survival of species like the Chinese pangolin in their natural habitats.
The Forest Department, after taking custody of the rescued pangolin, released it into a nearby wildlife sanctuary in Kokrajhar, ensuring the animal’s safety and continued protection.
The Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) is native to the northern Indian subcontinent, parts of Southeast Asia, and southern China. Known for its secretive, nocturnal nature, the pangolin moves slowly and curls into a ball when threatened, using its hard scales as protection. The species has been listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List since 2014 and is classified as a Schedule I species under India’s Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. The population of Chinese pangolins has declined by more than 80%, primarily due to trafficking for their scales, used in traditional Chinese medicine, and as a luxury food in Vietnam and China.
This rescue underscores the critical role of community involvement in wildlife conservation. The villagers’ quick response and cooperation with wildlife authorities highlight the importance of local awareness in protecting endangered species. Such incidents emphasize the need for educational programs and awareness campaigns to foster coexistence between humans and wildlife, promoting respect and understanding to reduce conflicts and ensure the safety of both people and animals.
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