UPSC Articles
Indian pangolin
Part of: Prelims and GS-III -Conservation
Context The Odisha Forest and Environment Department has completed its first-ever radio-tagging of the Indian pangolin in an attempt to standardise the rehabilitation protocol for the animal in the State.
Key takeaways
- Aa radio-tagged Indian pangolin was released into the wild in Nandankanan Wildlife Sanctuary following soft release protocols and provision for post-release monitoring
- After Madhya Pradesh, Odisha is the second State in the country to release a radio-tagged Indian pangolin into the wild
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.
- Indian pangolin is the largest among eight pangolin species.
- Out of the eight species of pangolin, the Indian and the Chinese pangolins are found in India.
- Both these species are listed under Schedule I Part I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- The nocturnal animal lives in burrows and feed on ants and termites.
IUCN Red List
- Indian Pangolin: Endangered
- Chinese Pangolin: Critically Endangered
