Pangolin Conservation

Pangolins, vital creatures essential for maintaining ecological balance, are on the verge of extinction. Although conservationists have time and again warned about the declining number of pangolins, no sufficient efforts are made to preserve them. Rampant deforestation, habitat destruction, and illegal trafficking continue to endanger them. The pangolins have been categorised as a critically endangered species since 2013, but they have not received the urgent protection they deserve. The important creature may disappear forever, like dinosaurs, if decisive action is not taken from all levels of government. 

Pangolins play a crucial role in controlling insect populations, benefiting farmers by reducing the nuisance of pests naturally. Their survival depends on forests and community-managed lands. However, rapid environmental destruction is driving them towards extinction. In contrast to other species such as rhinos and tigers, which attract tourists, pangolins do not gain much attention from conservation activities, and thus they remain neglected. Thus, the absence of a structural national initiative for the conservation of pangolins is a matter of concern. 

Although awareness campaigns are in place, they are not sufficient to guarantee survival of this endangered animal. Conservation measures need to include habitat protection, tighter anti-poaching legislation, and community involvement. Concrete action is necessary for safeguarding their future. It is a serious threat to illegal trafficking in pangolins with scales highly demanded in illegal markets to be used in traditional medicines. Statistics indicate that pangolins are one of the most trafficked mammals in the world. Heightened surveillance and punitive actions are essential to put an end to illegal trade of this animal.

Deforestation is also a large problem since habitat loss makes pangolins more susceptible and risk-prone. Agricultural expansion, urbanisation, and logging remain ongoing contributors to the loss of forests, which is creating habitat crisis for pangolins. Community-based conservation activities are effective; however, these activities should be assisted with technical support and funding for better results. In fact, by recognising pangolins as useful supporters for sustainable agricultural methods, this could lead to the conservation of farmland pangolins.

 As similar to bees, which affect pest populations naturally, a balanced ecosystem can be maintained if pangolins are protected and allowed to thrive. They would play an important role in ensuring the sustainability of agro-ecosystems. Raising awareness about their role in agriculture, specifically in conservation and in the public sphere, will increase the support and conservation efforts in the long term. Conservation awareness in the community forest stewards can go a long way in pangolin conservation efforts.

The protection of pangolins requires policies and regulations from government bodies, conservation groups, and the local communities. Establishing protected areas and enforcing anti-trafficking laws are fundamental elements of this process. Efforts to conserve pangolins should be regulated at the local, provincial, and federal levels. However, a coherent government strategy is needed at all levels of government. We should act now to save pangolins from extinction in the future. 

One of the key aspects is the establishment of strong policies that have effective regimes for enforcement and community-driven initiatives that would be a core mantra in preventing the extinction of pangolins. The homes of the pangolins should be maintained intact so that their number will increase naturally. For this, humans should be aware about the importance of pangolins. The well-informed public will naturally ensure protection of pangolins.