Shillong, Jun 26: Two wild animals – an endangered species of pangolin and a palm civet – were rescued and then rehabilitated into the wild by staff of the Meghalaya State Zoo.
The Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) and palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) were released into Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary after completing rehabilitation and health assessments, a press release stated today.
The Chinese pangolin is critically endangered as a species as it is threatened by the illegal wildlife trade and poaching.
The pangolin was rescued by the staff of Nongpoh (Wildlife) Range from the National Highway 6 near Jiva Restaurant in Nongpoh while the civet was rescued from Jaintia Hills recently in a severely injured condition. Both animals were shifted to Meghalaya State Zoo, where they received veterinary treatment, care and monitoring.
Following a period of rehabilitation, veterinary experts certified both animals fit for release. The operation was carried out jointly by Meghalaya State Zoo and Nongpoh (Wildlife) Range under Khasi Hills Wildlife Division, Shillong.
Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and CEO of Meghalaya Zoo, PK Agrahari, stated that wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and release are essential components of conservation efforts. He also appealed to people to assist in the rescue of wild animals by informing the department about such wild animals in distress so that they can be treated and released.
Pangolins play a vital role as ‘ecosystem engineer’ and natural pest controllers in forests and agro-ecosystems. They primarily feed on ants and termites, consuming in vast quantities. This helps prevent termite infestations that damage forest, crops and soil structures.
Palm civets are vital to tropical ecosystems as keystone seed dispersers and forest regenerators. By eating fruits and defecating seeds across wide ranges, they maintain plant biodiversity and help reforest degraded areas.
Pangolins are the most heavily trafficked mammals in the world, accounting for up to 20 per cent of the entire global illegal wildlife trade, an estimated 10 lakh pangolins were poached worldwide over the recent decade. Pangolin trafficking remains a grave concern in India, posing a significant threat to the country’s wildlife and biodiversity.
During the last five years, about seven cases of illegal smuggling of pangolin and pangolin scales were detected by the Forest Department and booked under Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972. Despite efforts by wildlife authorities to combat the illegal trade, pangolin smuggling remains a serious concern to enforcement agencies globally, the release added.
