World Pangolin Day

In Context

  • World Pangolin Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in February every year

About

  • It is an international attempt to raise awareness of pangolins and bring together stakeholders to help protect these species from extinction.

Pangolins:

  • Pangolins are scaly mammals that eat ants, termites and larvae.They are one of the most trafficked mammals in Asia . Pangolins are in high demand in countries like China and Vietnam. Their meat is considered a delicacy and pangolin scales are used in traditional medicine and folk remedies.
  • Out of the eight species of pangolin, the Indian Pangolin and the Chinese Pangolin are found in India.   

  • Habitat:
    • Indian Pangolin is 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 is found in the Himalayan foothills in Eastern Nepal, Bhutan, Northern India, North-East Bangladesh and through Southern China.
  • 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.
    • Appendix I of the International Convention of Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) 

Source: TH