Rare Indian Pangolin Spotted in Pune’s Grasslands, Leaving Experts Surprised
Rare Indian Pangolin Spotted in Pune’s Grasslands, Leaving Experts Surprised
In a rare and unexpected discovery, a camera trap set up in Pune’s grasslands and agricultural areas has captured an image of the elusive Indian pangolin. This sighting has surprised conservationists and highlights how Maharashtra’s dry landscapes, often overlooked, serve as crucial habitats for endangered species.
The Indian pangolin is found across many parts of India, while the Chinese pangolin is restricted to the northeastern states. Although Indian pangolins are known to inhabit forests and hilly terrains, their presence in Pune’s dry grasslands is unusual. This species is currently listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to widespread poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
A Surprising Discovery in an Unusual Habitat
Mihir Godbole, the founder of The Grasslands Trust, expressed astonishment at the sighting, stating, “Pangolins are generally associated with forest habitats in the Western Ghats. Finding one in Pune’s dry grasslands is both surprising and exciting. Since pangolins primarily feed on termites and ants, it’s intriguing to understand how this population is surviving in an environment that doesn’t naturally meet their dietary needs.”
The sighting was recorded during Pune’s first systematic, science-driven camera-trapping survey of grasslands. This project, conducted by The Grasslands Trust with support from The Habitats Trust, aims to study the population status of various mammals and assess the health of the habitat. The team leading this effort includes Shreyas Nakate, Zeenal Vajrinkar, Vijayraj Jare, and Prasad Memane.
Deputy Conservator of Forests for the Pune Wildlife Division, Tushar Chavan, commented on the importance of these findings, stating, “These surveys are yielding many firsts. Spotting a pangolin in such an environment is particularly remarkable, and the Forest Department welcomes this discovery.”
Pangolins: The World’s Most Trafficked Mammal
Despite their ecological significance, pangolins are among the most trafficked wild mammals globally. Their scales, which are falsely believed to have medicinal properties, are highly sought after in illegal wildlife trade, particularly in China and Southeast Asia. Their meat is also considered a delicacy in some regions, further fueling poaching.
Rushikesh Chavan, head of The Habitats Trust, emphasized the importance of the recent camera trap images, stating, “These images confirm that pangolins are more widespread than previously thought. However, they remain the most hunted wild animals today. Conservation efforts, such as these camera-trapping initiatives, are crucial for their survival.”
Between 2018 and 2022, authorities recorded the illegal trade of at least 1,200 pangolins in India, along with the seizure of nearly 1,000 kg of pangolin scales. Experts estimate that close to 2,000 pangolins were killed within just a few years.
Rising Threats and the Urgent Need for Conservation
According to the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), pangolins in India face increasing threats due to hunting and illegal trade. Trafficking networks extend from India through Myanmar to China and other Southeast Asian nations. A lack of data on their population and distribution further complicates conservation efforts.
This unexpected sighting in Pune’s dry grasslands underscores the need for better protection and research into the pangolin’s adaptability to different environments. Experts believe that increasing awareness, stricter law enforcement, and scientific monitoring can play a crucial role in saving this unique species from extinction.
