Unique Endangered Pangolin Species in Pakistan

Introduction

Pangolin is not a reptile but a mammal. The reason for this confusion is due to its appearance. The body of a pangolin is covered with scales that are made of Keratine protein found in fingernails, horns, and hair. The scales serve the purpose of protection from wild predators.

This animal varies in size from 30 to 100 centimeter and lives in burrows or hollow trunks of trees. It is also famous as a nocturnal and scaly anteater animal. Pangolin uses smelling sense to find its prey and feeds on small insects including ants using its tongue and is generally active at night.

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Classification and IUCN Status of Pangolin Species

Pangolin currently has been classified in eight species around the world mainly found in Asian and African countries.  Out of the eight known species of pangolin four species living in Asia are as follows:

Common English Name: Chinese pangolin

Scientific Name: Manis pentadactyla

IUCN Status – Critically Endangered

Common English Name:  Indian pangolin

Scientific Name: Manis crassicaudata

IUCN Status– Endangered

Common English Name: Sunda pangolin

Scientific Name: Manis javanica

IUCN Status – Critically Endangered

Common English Name: Philippine pangolin

Scientific Name: Manis culionensis

IUCN Status – Endangered

 

The other four living in Africa are as follows:

Common English Name: White-bellied pangolin

Scientific Name: Phataginus tricuspis

IUCN Status – Vulnerable

Common English Name: Black-bellied pangolin

Scientific Name: Phataginus tetradactyla

IUCN Status – Vulnerable

Common English Name: Giant pangolin

Scientific Name: Smutsia gigantea

IUCN Status – Vulnerable

Common English Name: Ground pangolin

Scientific Name: Smutsia temminckii

IUCN Status – Vulnerable

According to IUCN RED List, all eight species of Pangolin were classified as threatened along with extinction. Pangolin species are facing threats due to habitat loss, illegal trade, hunting, poaching, etc.

Reasons for Illegal Trade

Pangolin is the most famous trafficked animal. The reasons for illegal trade include its valuable body parts and scales. It is illegally traded to other countries where people consume its meat. It is also used in medicine.

Also read a related article: Illegal Wildlife Trade in Pakistan – Threat to Endangered Species

Uses of Pangolin Scales

The scales are used for various purposes such as making rings, lucky charms, and crushed dried scaled in medicine. The skin of pangolin is also used for the production of leather products such as bulletproof jackets, shoes, boots, etc.

Ban on Illegal Trade of Pangolin by CITES

In 2016 during the 17th meeting, the Conference of Parties in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Fauna and Flora suggested putting a ban on the illegal trade of Pangolins.

Check out: 12 Vulnerable and Endangered Animal Species of Pakistan

Pangolin in Pakistan

The Indian Pangolin species is indigenous in Pakistan and is found in Kashmir, Punjab, Sindh, and Baluchistan. Previously the pangolins were living in the forest area of Sindh but due to increased vegetation land with improved irrigation systems, they migrated to other areas such as Koh-e-Sulaiman in Sidh near Balochistan.

The ecological researches show the declining number of pangolins due to illegal trade, hunting, poaching for scales and meat.

Conservation of Pangolin in Pakistan

In previous years, people were scared of this scaly animal. In an incident, people captured this animal and later realized that the animal fed on ants. However, according to the WWF survey that was carried out in different cities came to conclusion that this animal is being smuggled to other countries and needs protection due to decreasing numbers.

Also check out: Endangered and Critically Endangered Animals of Pakistan

WWF in Pakistan

World wildlife fund organization is actively doing efforts to conserve Pangolins found in Pakistan. The efforts include market-based surveys concerning trades and exploring the current habitats in order to keep a record of illegal trade and poaching. The so far good initiative by WWF is involving the residential community in order to create awareness among the public, and make people understand the role of Pangolin in the sustenance of the ecosystem. The organization is trying to make local conservation zones for Pangolins.

Ecological Importance of Pangolins

The anteaters- Pangolins are playing a crucial role in the sustenance of the ecosystem. They consume almost 70 million small insects annually and act as natural pest controllers. They also assist soil in improving texture and physical properties making it more productive for crops.

Also read: Endangered and Critically Endangered Bird Species of Pakistan

Recommendation

There should be proper legislation for wildlife protection. The Government of Pakistan should impose a ban on the illegal trade of wildlife.

Also check out:

Endemic or Native Mammal Species of Pakistan

Endemic or Native Bird Species of Pakistan

Endemic or Native Reptile Species of Pakistan

Endemic or Native Amphibian Species of Pakistan

Endemic or Native Fish Species of Pakistan

Endemic or Native Plant Species of Pakistan

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