Socio-ecological challenges to Indian Pangolin in Pakistan: A review

Abstract

Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) also called as thick-tailed pangolin and scaly anteater, native to the Indian subcontinent is an endangered mammalian species (Manidae; Mammalia). The pangolin inhabits areas with prey i.e. a termite (Odontotermes obesus) and two black ants (Camponotus confucii and Camponotus compressus). We reviewed the published research work carried on Indian pangolin to identify the reasons for the decline in its population in Pakistan. We identified that only a few studies have been conducted on the biology, diversity, ecology, and potential threats to M. crassicaudata in Pakistan. However, some data is available on websites of organizations working on the conservation of animals, personal communications, newspaper articles and reports. Its populations have been reported from forests, grasslands, sub-mountainous landscapes, and degraded habitats. Pangolins are under serious threat in Pakistan due to their massive killing for illegal wildlife trade, medicinal and cultural values. Pangolin population is facing declining trend in its population in Northern Punjab and Azad Kashmir (personal communications) due to habitat degradation and deforestation and hunting for fun. Conservation of Indian pangolin needs social awareness through electronic and print media. It is suggested that the curriculum of science at primary and secondary levels should contain introduction of Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN) and Vulnerable (VU) species like Indian Pangolin (Endangered). We suggest to explore the population dynamics of Indian Pangolin in relation to distribution patterns, feeding preferences, prey availability, habitat suitability and threats. Keywords: Ants, Feeding Preference, Habitat Suitability, Pangolin, Termites http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2020.90236