Rescued Chinese Pangolin, Asian Palm Civet released into Ri-Bhoi sanctuary

SHILLONG, June 26: In a significant boost to wildlife conservation, the Meghalaya State Zoo on Friday successfully released a rescued Chinese Pangolin and an Asian Palm Civet into the Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary, Ri-Bhoi, following their successful rehabilitation.
According to a statement here, the Chinese Pangolin was originally rescued by the Nongpoh (Wildlife) Range from National Highway 6, while the Asian Palm Civet was recovered from Jaintia Hills in a severely injured condition. Both animals underwent extensive veterinary treatment and monitoring at the Meghalaya State Zoo before being certified fit for the wild.
The release was carried out by zoo officials and the Nongpoh (Wildlife) Range in the presence of Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) PK Agrahari and Meghalaya State Zoo Director Pavan Khade.
Agrahari noted that the Chinese Pangolin is listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ by the IUCN and holds Schedule-I status under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, granting it the highest level of legal protection.
He highlighted that the species faces severe threats from habitat loss and the illegal wildlife trade.
Agrahari further appealed to the public to report any wild animals in distress to the department to ensure timely rescue and treatment.
Ecological importance
It is pertinent to note that pangolins are often described as ‘ecosystem engineers’ for their role in natural pest control, primarily feeding on termites and ants that can otherwise damage crops and forest structures. Similarly, Asian Palm Civets are considered keystone species for forest regeneration due to their role in seed dispersal.
Issue raised in Assembly
The issue of pangolin poaching recently gained attention in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, where Leader of the Opposition Mukul Sangma had pointed out that the decline of these natural pest controllers has led to severe ant infestations and agricultural damage in the Garo Hills region.
Pangolins remain the most heavily trafficked mammals globally, accounting for nearly 20 per cent of the illegal wildlife trade.
In Meghalaya, the Forest department has detected seven cases of illegal smuggling of pangolins and their scales over the last five years.