Students involved in pangolin conservation

By Our Correspondent Udayapur, May 17: Students in Udayapur have engaged in the protection of the endangered pangolins, which is called ‘Salak’ in Nepali. Students of Wildlife Conservation Society in Katari are working for the protection of endangered pangolins by organising various public awareness programmes.

They are also motivating the community for the protection of the species. Of the eight species of pangolins found in the world, two are found in Nepal.

According to Bishal Bhandari, coordinator of the society, the Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) and Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) found in Nepal are disappearing for a lack of protection. Both species are listed in schedule I of the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973. Bhandari has been conducting public awareness programmes as well as holding rallies, posting pamphlets and organising video exhibitions to promote pangolin conservation.

Bhandari said that the endangered species of pangolin are disappearing due to the destruction of their habitat and poachers.

According to Ram Prasad Gautam, chairman of the local Sitapokhari Community Forest Users Group, the species are also found near the Chure hills and in the inner parts of the Mahabharata range.