In News
The Odisha Forest and Environment Department has completed its first-ever radio-tagging of the Indian pangolin in an attempt to standardise the rehabilitation protocol for the animal in the State.
About
- Scientific Name: Manis crassicaudata
- the Indian pangolin is the largest among eight pangolin species.
- Description: It has large, overlapping scales on its body that act as armour.
- It can also curl itself into a ball (volvation) as self-defence against predators such as the tiger.
- The nocturnal animal lives in burrows and feed on ants and termites.
- Habitat and Distribution: The species is understood to occur in various types of tropical forests as well as open land, grasslands and degraded habitats, including close to villages.
- The species can adapt well to modified habitats, provided its ant and termite prey remains abundant
- It is widely distributed in India, except in the arid region, high Himalayas and the North-East.
- It can be found at elevations up to 2500 m. The species also occurs in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka
- Threats: Poaching for its meat and scales, which are used and consumed by local people, but are also increasingly traded internationally.
- Protection status :
- Schedule I under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Appendix I of the International Convention of Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
- Endangered in IUCN Red List.
Source: TH
Previous article
Nord Stream 2 Pipeline is ready for operation
Next article
Chakmas and Hajongs