In a groundbreaking discovery, conservationists and forest officials have recorded the first photographic evidence of the Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) in Assam’s Raimona National Park (RNP). This elusive and highly trafficked mammal was captured on camera as part of a collaborative study aimed at enhancing conservation efforts in the region.
The findings, published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa, a globally recognised scientific journal, were the result of efforts by the Kachugaon Forest Division, the Assam Forest Department, and Aaranyak, one of the region’s foremost biodiversity conservation organisations. Several other conservation partners also contributed to this significant achievement.
Dr Dipankar Lahkar, the lead author of the paper and a senior conservation biologist with Aaranyak, highlighted the importance of the discovery. “The study also clarifies a long-standing confusion about the occurrence of the Indian pangolin in Assam and Northeast India, which will potentially rectify the IUCN Red List distribution map,” he said.
The Chinese pangolin, listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List, is one of the world’s most trafficked mammals. Known for its solitary and nocturnal nature, the pangolin faces significant threats from illegal poaching and habitat loss. Despite being included in Appendix I of CITES and Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, it continues to be hunted for meat, body parts, and traditional medicinal uses.
Bhanu Sinha, Divisional Forest Officer of Raimona National Park, expressed optimism about the discovery. “This finding strengthens the spirit of conservation in Raimona and will pave the way for further elusive findings. It reflects the importance of continuous research and monitoring to improve conservation efforts,” he said.
The study confirms that two pangolin species, the Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) and the Chinese pangolin, occur in India. The Chinese pangolin’s range spans several Asian countries, including India, Bhutan, and Nepal, and is primarily restricted to the foothills of the Himalayas and parts of Northeast India.
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Systematic camera-trap surveys conducted by the RNP authority in collaboration with Aaranyak since 2019 played a crucial role in this discovery. During a 1,470 trap-day effort in 2022, three photographic captures of the Chinese pangolin were obtained in January and February within the semi-evergreen forests of the park.
Dr M Firoz Ahmed, a senior scientist with Aaranyak, explained the significance of these findings. “This is the first confirmed photographic evidence of the Chinese pangolin in Raimona National Park. The photographs were taken in semi-deciduous forests dominated by Sal trees along a dry stream bed near the Ranganadi River,” he said.
Raimona National Park, located along the foothills of the Himalayas, is part of the transboundary Manas Conservation Area, connecting India and Bhutan. Established in 2021, the park spans 422 km² and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Despite challenges posed by its history of ethnopolitical conflicts, the park is steadily emerging as a critical conservation area in the region.
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