Pangolins, fascinating creatures known as "something that rolls up" in Malay due to their ability to curl into a protective ball, face a dire threat as the world's most smuggled mammal. Shockingly, over 20 percent of the illegal wildlife trade involves these elusive creatures. Among the Asian Pangolin species, Nepal is home to two: the Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) and the Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata).
Adorned with hard scales covering their bodies and featuring a small, toothless head, pangolins possess a unique charm. In Nepal, they are referred to as 'Salak,' and in 2016, their estimated population was around 5000. These captivating animals thrive in the primary and secondary subtropical forests, spanning from the Terai to the mid-hills region. Their adaptability is remarkable, as they are often spotted in open lands, agricultural areas, and even near human settlements.
Pangolins are creatures of the night, displaying their insectivorous nature by actively foraging for ants, termites, and insect larvae. When daylight approaches, they retreat to the safety of their burrows. Their nocturnal lifestyle and intriguing feeding habits make them a captivating species to study and cherish.
Unfortunately, the enchanting beauty of pangolins is overshadowed by a dark reality. Each year, over 100,000 wild pangolins fall victim to ruthless poaching across Africa, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. The primary destination for these unfortunate beings is China, where their scales are unjustly sought after for use in traditional medicine. The scales are believed to possess healing properties, ranging from curing heart diseases and cancer to addressing female reproductive disorders. Disturbingly, some misguided beliefs even tout the fresh blood of pangolins as an aphrodisiac.
As if facing the peril of illegal trade for medicinal purposes wasn't enough, pangolins are also subjected to exploitation as a culinary delicacy. In numerous restaurants, they are served as the most expensive item on the menu, further exacerbating the threats they endure.
The urgency to protect pangolins and halt the illegal wildlife trade cannot be overstated. With their populations dwindling at an alarming rate, concerted efforts are necessary to safeguard these gentle creatures for the benefit of our ecosystem and the preservation of their remarkable existence on our planet.
photo credit: Studio Crevettes, Store norske leksikon, International Fund fo
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