Indian pangolin

Indian pangolin

In news:

• scientists have radio-tagged the Indian pangolin, an endangered  animal

• Tagging the animal will help understand the habits of the reclusive, nocturnal animal

• Radio-tagging is part of a joint project by the forest department and non-profit organisation, the Wildlife Conservation Trust (WCT).

IASBaba’s Value addition

Ninth ‘World Pangolin Day’ on 15th February, 2020. 

• Celebrated in February every year to raise awareness of pangolins and bring together stakeholders to help protect these species from extinction.

From Prelims Point of view:

Indian pangolin: 

• Has thick scaly skin 

• Hunted for meat and used in traditional Chinese medicine. 

• Pangolins are among the most trafficked wildlife species in the world. 

• Out of the eight species of pangolin, the Indian and the Chinese pangolins are found in India. 
• Both these species are listed under Schdule I Part I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

IUCN Red List

• Indian Pangolin: Endangered
• Chinese Pangolin: Critically Endangered