Pangolin Scales Seized in Meghalaya: Why Pangolins Are Trafficked

Pangolin scales seized in Meghalaya highlight the illegal wildlife trade. Know why pangolins are trafficked, species found in India, IUCN status, CITES protection and UPSC facts.

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The pangolin has come into focus after around 24 kg of pangolin scales were seized in Meghalaya during an anti-trafficking operation. The seizure highlights the persistent threat posed by illegal wildlife trafficking to pangolins, which are among the most trafficked mammals in the world.

Pangolins are unique mammals known for their overlapping keratin scales and specialised diet of ants and termites. Despite their ecological importance, they are heavily targeted for their scales and meat.

Why Are Pangolins Trafficked?

The primary driver of pangolin trafficking is the demand for their scales and meat.

1. Illegal Trade in Scales

Pangolin scales are made of keratin, the same protein found in human hair and nails. Despite having no scientifically proven medicinal value, the scales are falsely claimed to possess therapeutic properties in some traditional practices.

This misinformation creates demand and encourages poaching.

2. Demand for Pangolin Meat

Pangolin meat is consumed in some parts of the world and has been associated with luxury or traditional consumption. This contributes to hunting and illegal trafficking.

3. International Wildlife Trafficking

Pangolins are frequently targeted by organised wildlife-trafficking networks. Their scales can be transported through domestic and international illegal trade routes, making enforcement particularly challenging.

What Makes Pangolins Unique?

Pangolins are the only mammals covered with protective keratin scales.

When threatened, they can curl themselves into a tight ball, using their scales as armour against predators.

Other important characteristics include:

Primarily nocturnal animals.
Feed mainly on ants and termites.
Possess long, sticky tongues adapted for capturing insects.
Strong claws help them dig into termite mounds and ant nests.
Their burrowing activities can contribute to soil aeration.

Pangolin Species Found in India

India is home to two species:

Indian Pangolin

Scientific name: Manis crassicaudata
IUCN Status: Endangered
Found across parts of the Indian subcontinent.
Also known as the Indian or thick-tailed pangolin.

Chinese Pangolin

Scientific name: Manis pentadactyla
IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
Occurs mainly in parts of the Himalayan and northeastern regions.

Pangolin Habitat

Pangolins are adaptable and may occur in:

Forests
Grasslands
Scrublands
Agricultural landscapes

Their survival depends on suitable habitat, availability of ants and termites, and protection from hunting and trafficking.

Ecological Importance of Pangolins

Pangolins play an important role in maintaining ecosystem balance.

As they consume large numbers of ants and termites, they help regulate insect populations. Their digging and burrowing activities also disturb and aerate the soil, contributing to nutrient cycling and soil processes.

Therefore, pangolin conservation has significance beyond protecting a single species.

Legal Protection of Pangolins in India

Pangolins receive strong protection under Indian and international conservation frameworks.

Framework	Protection
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972	Schedule I
CITES	Appendix I
Indian Pangolin – IUCN	Endangered
Chinese Pangolin – IUCN	Critically Endangered

Listing under CITES Appendix I provides the highest level of international protection and restricts international commercial trade in specimens of the species.

Major Threats to Pangolins

Apart from trafficking, pangolins face several other threats:

Illegal hunting and poaching
Habitat destruction
Agricultural expansion
Infrastructure development
Human-wildlife conflict
Lack of awareness about their conservation importance

However, illegal wildlife trade remains one of the most serious threats to their survival.

Pangolin — UPSC Prelims Facts

Pangolin is a mammal, not a reptile.
It is the only mammal with a body largely covered by protective keratin scales.
Two species of pangolin are found in India.
Indian Pangolin: Manis crassicaudata
Chinese Pangolin: Manis pentadactyla
Main diet: ants and termites.
Indian Pangolin: Endangered.
Chinese Pangolin: Critically Endangered.
Pangolins are listed under CITES Appendix I.
They receive protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Their scales have no scientifically proven medicinal value.