Protecting endangered pangolin: A conservation effort in Makwanpur

By Our Correspondent,Hetauda, June 2: Efforts to protect the endangered pangolins hailed as farmer-friendly wildlife, are underway in Makwanpur. 

The Rani Community Forest Consumer Committee, based in Chowghada, Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City-6, has taken up the task of protecting rescued pangolins within specially designed enclosures.

These conservation efforts have recently included the relocation of two rescued pangolins from Hetauda and Makwanpurgadhi to the Rani Community Forest for further protection.  Approximately two hundred pangolins thrive within this sanctuary. Since 2006, the Rani Community Forest Group has been diligently safeguarding the pangolin population, recognising their significance as allies to local farmers.

 Bhimsen Paudel, the group's office secretary, highlighted additional initiatives such as the installation of a pangolin monument in the Chowghada market and Peace Park, aimed at raising awareness about pangolin conservation and management.

Initiatives to protect pangolins have gained momentum across Makwanpur, with two community forests spearheading campaigns to combat poaching and smuggling. The inclusion of pangolins in the list of protected wildlife under the National Parks and Wildlife Protection Act has bolstered conservation efforts.

The Rani Community Forest and Chuchchekhola Community Forest in Makwanpur are actively engaged in safeguarding pangolins, recognised as an endangered and protected species. The National Parks and Wildlife Protection Act of 2029 imposes stringent penalties, including fines ranging from Rs. 10000 to Rs. 50000 or imprisonment from 1 year to 10 years, or both, for individuals involved in the capture, hunting, trading and transportation of pangolins.

For the past 17 years, the Rani Community Forest has served as a sanctuary for pangolins, providing shelter for injured individuals discovered in various locations. Kedar Prasad Gautam, the park manager, emphasised that pangolins intercepted from poachers are relocated to the Rani Community Forest for their safety. The Division Forest Office in Hetauda and Rapti has extended crucial support to these community forestry endeavours.

Salak, a docile and unobtrusive mammal found throughout the district, is celebrated as farmer-friendly wildlife due to its soil-loosening activities. This species primarily feeds on ants and beetles, contributing to natural pest control. Among the eight species of pangolins considered rare worldwide, the black pangolin (Chinese pangolin) and the copper pangolin (Indian pangolin) inhabit the forests of Nepal.