Awareness program on pangolin conservation held in Kiphire

DIMAPUR — The International Border Area People’s Welfare Organisation (IBAPWO) recently conducted an awareness programme on pangolin conservation at Khongka village, Kiphire district.

In a press release, the IBAPWO stated that the programme was held under the project titled ‘Pangolin conservation at Indo-Myanmar border,’ funded through the Conservation Catalyst Programme by WWF-India.

The activity focused on sensitising the local community and village guards to prevent illegal trafficking of pangolins across the Indo-Myanmar border.

Both the Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) and the Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) are found in the Indo-Myanmar region and are under severe threat due to illegal hunting and cross-border trade.

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“These shy, nocturnal mammals play a crucial role in controlling insect populations and maintaining ecological balance. Unfortunately, they are among the most trafficked mammals in the world, mainly for their scales and meat, making their conservation a pressing concern,” the release stated.

The IBAPWO expressed optimism that the “small initiative will contribute toward greater awareness and protection of this endangered species at the grassroots level.”