In Context
- World Pangolin Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in February every year
About
- It is an international attempt to raise awareness of pangolins and bring together stakeholders to help protect these species from extinction.
Pangolins:
- Pangolins are scaly mammals that eat ants, termites and larvae.They are one of the most trafficked mammals in Asia . Pangolins are in high demand in countries like China and Vietnam. Their meat is considered a delicacy and pangolin scales are used in traditional medicine and folk remedies.
- Out of the eight species of pangolin, the Indian Pangolin and the Chinese Pangolin are found in India.
- Habitat:
- Indian Pangolin is widely distributed in India, except the arid region, high Himalayas and the North-East. The species is also found in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
- Chinese Pangolin is found in the Himalayan foothills in Eastern Nepal, Bhutan, Northern India, North-East Bangladesh and through Southern China.
- Protection Status:
- IUCN Red List
- Indian Pangolin: Endangered
- Chinese Pangolin: Critically Endangered
- Both these species are listed under Schedule I, Part I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Appendix I of the International Convention of Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
- IUCN Red List
Source: TH
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