In a heartening display of community and wildlife collaboration, villagers in the Sarpamari area of Dhubri district rescued a critically endangered Chinese pangolin, handing it over to local forest officials for safekeeping.
The Chinese pangolin, a nocturnal creature known for its slow movements and protective scales, found itself in a house in Sarpamari, prompting quick action from villagers and forest authorities. Recognizing the importance of protecting biodiversity, the villagers promptly alerted the Forest Department, which swiftly intervened to ensure the pangolin’s well-being.
Given its critically endangered status, the Chinese pangolin’s rescue underscores the urgency of conservation efforts. Trafficking for its scales, highly valued in traditional medicine and luxury cuisines, poses a severe threat to its survival. Listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and protected under India’s Wildlife Protection Act, such rescues are crucial for sustaining dwindling populations.
Following its rescue, the pangolin was safely released into a wildlife sanctuary in Kokrajhar, emphasizing the role of sanctuaries in preserving natural habitats and endangered species.