Itanagar: Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have made a significant discovery, identifying a new pangolin species in Arunachal Pradesh.
This distinct species, named the Indo-Burmese pangolin (Manis indoburmanica), has been genetically differentiated from the previously recognized Chinese pangolin.
Genetic analysis reveals the Indo-Burmese pangolin diverged from its Chinese counterpart approximately 3.4 million years ago, evolving in isolation due to climatic and geological changes during the Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs.
This species is characterized by dark brown to dark olive-brown scales and pinkish facial coloration, with bristle-like hairs covering its body.
The discovery of this new species highlights the urgent need for enhanced conservation efforts for pangolins, which are among the most heavily trafficked mammals globally. Recognizing the Indo-Burmese pangolin as a distinct species emphasizes its unique vulnerability and necessitates collaborative conservation measures to protect its habitats from threats like poaching and deforestation.
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