Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, Jan 9: In a rare and significant development, an adult Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata/Scaly anteater), a critically endangered species (Schedule-I), was sighted and rescued from the Kalidhar Forest Range in Sunderbani area.
The rare animal was initially sighted by the Indian Army officials soldiers near the Line of Control in Sunderbani sector. They promptly informed the Department of Wildlife Protection, Rajouri.
Acting swiftly, Amit Sharma, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF)/ Wildlife Warden, Rajouri-Poonch Division, sent a rescue team to the location. The animal was safely transported to the Wildlife headquarters in Rajouri for further observation.
Preliminary assessments confirmed that the Pangolin is an adult and in good health. This marks a historic moment as it is the first recorded sighting of the Indian Pangolin in the Rajouri-Poonch Wildlife Division. This discovery is crucial for understanding the species’ distribution in the region, assessing potential threats, and formulating conservation strategies.
Giving details Wildlife Warden, Amit Sharma said that Indian pangolin is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and enjoys the highest protection under Schedule- I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Pangolins play an essential role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling ant and termite populations, which also supports soil health. However, due to their elusive nature and the threat of poaching, sightings are extremely rare, making this event of immense ecological and scientific value.
This rescue and sighting provide an opportunity to study the behavior and habitat preferences of the species while highlighting the urgent need to protect their habitats and address threats such as illegal poaching, trafficking and habitat destruction. Public awareness is critical to ensuring the survival of this unique and vulnerable species, he added.
Sharma further said that there is only one Zoo in India at Bhuvneshwar (Nandankanan Zoo) in Odisha where Pangolins are kept and breed under good protection. He said after its rescue we contacted Wild Life Officer at Nandankanan who guided us for its diet and care. He said Pangolin eats ants and there is very difficult to manage its food. A decision will be taken about its fate after consultation with the higher officials, he added.
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