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World Pangolin Day Madhya Pradesh radio-tags first-ever Indian Pangolin

Madhya Pradesh forest department radio-tagged an Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) for the first time to know its ecology and develop an effective conservation plan for it. The team successfully rehabilitated two Indian pangolins in the wild. This is the first-ever case of successful rehabilitation effort of the species where the released individuals are monitored in the wild using telemetry to ensure a better success rate. The measure comes as the world gets ready to observe the ninth ‘World Pangolin Day’ on February 15, 2020.  It is an international attempt to raise awareness about pangolins and bring together various stakeholders to help protect them from extinction. Pangolins are currently the most trafficked wildlife species in the world. Commonly known as ‘scaly anteaters.   Pangolins    Pangolins evolved scales as a means of protection. big carnivores like lions or tigers, they usually curl into a ball. The levels defend them against dental attacks from predators. This unique protection mechanism has now become the leading cause of the pangolin’s disappearance. The scales are in high demand in China, where they are used in traditional Chinese medicine. Pangolin meat is also in the top order in China and Southeast Asia. Consequently, pangolins have seen a rapid reduction in population globally. The projected population declines range from 50 percent to 80 percent across the genus. The species are protected and listed under the Schedule I Part I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 and under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). However, despite protective measures, pangolins in India are widely exploited and traded both domestically and internationally.

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