Shillong, June 26: In a significant boost to wildlife conservation, the Meghalaya State Zoo has successfully released a rescued Chinese Pangolin and an Asian Palm Civet into the Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary after both animals underwent rehabilitation, veterinary treatment and health assessments.
The release is considered particularly important as the Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) is listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and faces severe threats from illegal wildlife trafficking, while the Asian Palm Civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) plays a crucial role in forest regeneration through seed dispersal.
The Chinese Pangolin was rescued by officials of the Nongpoh Wildlife Range from NH-6 near Jiva Restaurant in Nongpoh, while the Asian Palm Civet was rescued from Jaintia Hills after it was found in a severely injured condition. Both animals were shifted to the Meghalaya State Zoo, where they received medical treatment, care and continuous monitoring before being declared fit for release.
The release operation was jointly carried out by the Meghalaya State Zoo and the Nongpoh Wildlife Range under the Khasi Hills Wildlife Division in the presence of Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Executive Officer of the Meghalaya Zoo Project Implementation Society, P.K. Agrahari, IFS, Director of Meghalaya State Zoo Pavan Khade, IFS, and other forest officials.
Speaking on the occasion, Agrahari said wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and release are vital components of conservation efforts. He noted that the Chinese Pangolin is protected under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, which provides the species with the highest level of legal protection in India. Despite this, it continues to face serious threats from habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade.
He said the successful rehabilitation and release reflected the Forest Department’s commitment to wildlife conservation and animal welfare, and appealed to the public to report injured or distressed wild animals to the department so that they can be rescued, treated and safely returned to their natural habitat.
Forest officials highlighted the ecological importance of both species. Pangolins are regarded as ecosystem engineers and natural pest controllers, feeding primarily on ants and termites and helping protect forests, crops and soil by naturally controlling pest populations. Their presence is considered an indicator of a healthy ecosystem.
Similarly, Asian Palm Civets contribute significantly to tropical forests by dispersing seeds after consuming fruits, thereby promoting forest regeneration and maintaining plant biodiversity.
The department also expressed concern over the continuing illegal trade in pangolins, describing them as the world’s most heavily trafficked mammals, accounting for nearly 20 per cent of the global illegal wildlife trade. An estimated one million pangolins are believed to have been poached worldwide over the past decade.
In Meghalaya, officials said seven cases involving the illegal smuggling of pangolins and pangolin scales have been detected over the last five years under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, underscoring the persistent threat posed by wildlife traffickers.
The issue has also been raised in the Meghalaya Assembly by the Leader of the Opposition, who warned that rampant poaching of Chinese Pangolins is contributing to severe ant infestations and agricultural damage in the Garo Hills, stressing the species’ vital role in natural pest control.
