Pangolin in India

Description

Context:

Pangolin found wandering on Noida roads rescued
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.
The pangolin or scaled anteater is a highly trafficked mammal and is estimated to have a value of Rs 2-3 crore in the illegal market.
In China, pangolins scales have been used for medicinal purposes for several years but the practice was recently banned.

Pangolins in India

Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) and the Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) are found in India.
Indian Pangolin is a large anteater covered by 11-13 rows of scales on the back.
A terminal scale is also present on the lower side of the tail of the Indian Pangolin, which is absent in the Chinese Pangolin.

Habitat

Indian Pangolin

Widely distributed in India, except the arid region, high Himalayas and the North-East. The species is also found in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Chinese Pangolin

Found in the Himalayan foothills in Eastern Nepal, Bhutan, Northern India, North-East Bangladesh and through Southern China.

Threats to Pangolins in India:

Hunting and poaching for use as a protein source and traditional medicine and international trade for its meat and scales in East and South East Asian countries, particularly China and Vietnam.

Protection Status

IUCN Red List

Indian Pangolin: Endangered
Chinese Pangolin: Critically Endangered
Both these species are listed under Schedule I, Part I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.