Coronaviruses Pandemic: Rescue and Release of the Confiscated Critically Endangered Chinese Pangolin ( Manis pentadactyla ) Continue in Nepal

Abstract

Covid-19 pandemic lockdown started from 24 March 2020 in Nepal. The coronavirus found in pangolins and bats are said to be mostly resembling to Covid-19. However, conservation stakeholders and local community were involved in rescue and release of the confiscated Chinese pangolin during this pandemic. Information was collated through personal communication, self-involvement and media reports to assess the background of rescued and released pangolins, precautionary and impact of handling under this situation. Altogether, six Chinese pangolins were rescued from Province 1 (n=2), Province 3 (n=3) and Province 4 (n=1) in the month of May and June. Five individuals were confiscated from the area in the vicinity of homes whereas one was rescued from corn farm in Nepal-India border. Within 15-48 hours, the rescued pangolins were released back into the community forests. All rescued individuals were adult, male, estimated weighing of 3-5kg and 80-90cm in length. 84 persons including forest office staffs (15.5%), security personnel (22.6%), journalists (6.0%), members of community forest user groups (26.2%) and local community (29.8%) were involved in rescuing, transforming and releasing. However, 22 persons (26.2%) handled the pangolins properly and taking safety precautions such as wore masks, gloves and washed their hands before and after handling. Others 62 person (73.8%) who were involved in rescue and release without taking safety precautions also did not show any symptoms of Covid-19, in 14 days and more after their contact with pangolins. Most of the participants (95.2%) were still positive towards pangolins conservation in post-Covid and accepted that the precautionary measures were required to protect from zoonotic diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the level of awareness amongst local community, CFUG members, security personnels and forest office staffs on zoonotic disease, their transmission and impact for the protection of animal and people.