frcC /t71e
Pangolin Trade, Status, Ethnicity and its Conservation in Nepal
Y:tff#ii".,...r
Hem Bahadur Katuwal
Kanchan Parajuli
Suraj Baral
Sanjan ThaPa
Small Mammals Conservation and Research Foundation
Balkhu, Kathamndu, NePal
(}
.t?t.
wttrr'
Wf(O
D$38
A report submitted to:
Ensemble Fondation, Fresno chaffee zoo,
Conservation and Research Foundation
wwF Nepal and smalt Mammals
and chatra
cover Photo: Pangolin art drawn by Ganesh Ad.ha]<ari Jeetpur-2, Ilam .(left)
scales of
and
termites
of
Limbu, Jeetpur-4, ttun1 1rigtg, pungllin burrow under the mould
pangolin
All photos
@
Hem Bahadur Katuwal, Kanchan Parajuli and Sanjan Thapa
Suggested Citation:
Ethnictty
Katuwal, H. 8., K. Parajuli, S. Baral and s. Thapa. 2013. Pangolin Trade, qPtu}
Zoo, WWF
and its Conservation in ilepal. Report to Ensemble Fondation, Fresno Chaffee
Nepal.
Kathmandu,
Foundation,
Nepal and Small Mammals bonservation and Research
Copyright
@
SMCRF 2014
Small Mammals conservation and Research Foundation (sMCRF)
Balkhu- 1 4, Kathmandu, NePal
Email: [email protected]
Website: www. smcrf.org
Acknowledgements
Conservation Fund,
We would like thank Ensemble Fondation, Fresno Chaffee Zoo Wildlife
financial
WWF-Nepal and Small Mammals Conservation and Research Foundation for
Karki
Madhuri
Ms.
to
owes
thanks
Special
carry out this survey in eastem Nepal.
support
and_schools/colleges
offices
Thapa, Department of Forestry, Kathmandu, all District Forest
sincere thanks Jo Mr. Ishwori Bastola (Ranger) and Mr'
of easiern Nepal. simultan"ourly,
-Bankaryalay4
Dhankuta, Mr. Mahesh Timsina chumwang,
Govinda Khatri, chuliban Ilaka
ti
Belahara,
Jach Bahadur Limbu and Jagat" Shreitha Uttarpani Prabidhik Sikshayalay4
Rai and
Bahadur
Ram
Dhankuta, Bhuwan Poudel, and Dambar Thapa, Dikrt", Dhankuta,
Madan
Dhital'
Mahesh
Som Ghimire, Muga, Dhankuta. Similarly, sincerely thanks go to
Parajuli and
Dhital and Balbir timbu, Jeetpur Ilam, Ratna Magar, Kumar Rana Magar, Som
Ganesh
Similarly,
Ilam.
axmipur,
Magar,I
Ms. Bishnu parajuli, Soyak url vt. Som Lungeli
Similarly
help.
kind
his
for
Sharma
Cfri.i.", Nepal Bani F.M from Ilam, and Mi. Mohan
survey at eastem
thank goes to all the respondents for their time and information during the
Nepal.
Abstract
just within 3-4 years back -in Nepal. As eastern Nepal has more
pangolins trade. We. analyzedthe
suitable habitat for the paigolins, is also rnore vulnerable to
conservation threats of
trade scenario and Uuoo*iirt ibution, ethno zoological importance,
conservation of
the pangolins and simultaneously performed awareness program for the
Trades
of pangolin
sore
p*d"firir in seven VDC's of two districts
(Dhankuta and Ilam) of eastern Nepal
in20l4'
live pangolins
We interviewed 83 respondents'in two districts,.of which 84.3% had seen
77
'9% of them had
whereas g3.g%had seen burrows. Pangolins trade was increasing rapidly,
youths, mostly from
seen selling the pangOlins. Poachers at local level influence unemployed
way of dinging
ethnic communities to hunt the pangolins. Hunters mostly use tradition
Such hunted
pangolins.
the
catch
burrows and filling water and used trained dogs to
The
poachers'
of
chain
pangolins reached Io Chinese boarders via different routes through
than
at local level poachers rises sharply to more
iric"e of Rs 15000i20000/kg ($ 160-210/kg)
high rank poacher.
next
to
ifs 50000/kg ($ 525lkg) when it reach
was
Altogether, we recorded 1328 burrows, more at Ilam than Dhankuta. Their distribution
VDC
signiircantiy different along the VDCs and elevational gradients, where Ghorlikharkha
1100-1200m
fra'a highei number of birrows and burrows were most abundant within
sources
water
and
land
at
agriculfural
,6p..ti"r.ty. We recorded higher number of burrows
to the
distance
aspects,
had direct influence in distribition of the pangolin burrows. However
ethno:
the
trails and houses had least effect on it. Most of the respondents were unaware of
7l.l%
whilst
meal
its
eaten
had
them
of
5g.3%
but
zoological importance of pangolins,
meat
has
people
think_thar
few
but
thinkihat pangolin sighting ,,iitt U. bad luck for them,
problem,
backpain
high nutritiona'i value *O ii use to cure gastro intestinal problem, cardiac
cure bum
bone problem etc. and simultaneously scale was used to make rings and
reiiefl
wounds.
within last
Most of the respondents (g7.2yA speculated that pangolin population is decreasing
of'the
five years. 72% ol them think thai pangolin should be cot s"rne, but we found 28.2Yo
After
status.
conservation
its
knowing
after
meat
respondents who had eaten the pangolins
threats
major
were
awareness
trade, deforestation, habitat degradatlon, forest fire and lack of
posters
to the pangolins. Thus we performed schools, community through art competition,
the
and brochires distribution and media awareness program to educate people about
importance of pangolins in their livelihood.
Keywords: Pangolin, trade, conservation, awareness, burrow and eastern Nepal
ill
'
Table of Contents
I
2
3
4
5
6
List of Figures
Figure 1:
Figure 2:
Figure 3:
Figure 4:
List of Tables
... . ...... ...8
Table 1: Distribution of pangolin's burrow in different vDCs of the study area. . ..
'
List of Photo Plates
'"""6
Photo 1: Scales ofPangolins
pangolins
the
hunt
poachers
to
by
excavated
burrow
Pangolin's
Photo 2:
:...:""-"1'
photo 3: Buriows of pangolins: a) Old burrow under the termites' mould b) Fresh burrow c)
"""'7
Burrow under the rocks d) Old
fortrading
'""""
burrow
Photo4:Forestfireinthepangolinshabitat..
""""""'7
""""""""11
photo 5: Art of pangolinr dru*, during the pangolin's art competition: a) Nagendra Tamang
b) Gopal
Photo6: Awareness proglam on pangolins: a) Community b-d)
"""""""11
Schools "";"""""12
Diyali-...I.
IV
Abbreviations / AcronYms
WWF
DFO
CDO
V.D.C
df
km2
Sq.
No.
P
kg
vr
-SUCnf
CITES
SPSS
World Wide Fund for Nature
District Forest Office
Chief District Office
Village Development Cornmittee
Degrees ofFreedom
Square Kilometer
Square
Number
ProbabilitY value
Kilogram
Year
Small Mammals Conservation and Research Foundation
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of
Wild Flora and Fauna
Statistical Package for the Social Sciences
1. Intioductibn
l.l Pangolin Trade
Like tiger, rhino and elephant, pangolin also has high trade value in Southeast Asia (Nooren
and Claridge 20A1, Newton et al.2008). People hunt it regularly for easy means of earnings
as they have null knowledge about the importance of pangolins in agro-pest control and
ecosystem maintenance. The pangolins meat is consumed by ethnic communities in terms of
bush meat as well as belief of medicine. However, the main reasons behind are the low
earnings and lack of awareness. Similarly, weak la.w enforcement and decrease in population
via trade and habitat degradation has increased the price of the pangolins (Y'ue 2009). China
export more pangolins than any other countries for traditional Chinese medicines (Semiadi et
al. 2009). Thus, Chinese pangolin is listed on CITES Appendix II and IUCN Red List as
Endangered and all Asian pangolins are in zero expert quota which bans the trade of the
animal caught in the wild from 2000 A.D. (Duckworth et al. 2008, Challender et aL.2012).
Chinese pangolin is protected in Nepal by Department of National Parks and Wildlife
Conservation Act 1973, bttt has received least scientific attention over here (Jnawali et al.
2011). The national daily newspaper and television ffequently report the smuggling and
seizure of the pangolins from dif1brent pa(s of Nepal. Through Nepal-Tibet borders, the
scales of pangolin reach Chinese markets through different routes. In Nepal, penalties fbr
wildlife traders are not strict which enforces them to continue their work. Poor economic
status of local people is uplifting the trade of this animal (Semiadi et al. 2009)
of pangolin
Eight species of pangolins are fbund in the world. Out ofl four species fbund in Asia, two
species of pangolins (Chinese Pangolin Manis jtentadactyla and Indian Pangolin Manis
c:rassicaudata) are found in Nepal (Baral and Shah 2008, Jnawali et al. 2011). Chinese
pangolin is smaller and the common speeies found in Nepal than Indian pangolin (Jnawali et
al. 2011). Chinese pangcilin has I 5- 1 8 rows of scales whereas Indian pangolin has 1 I - 13 rows
of scales in their body. Pangolin has well developed external ear (Suwal 20ll) with a
streamline elongatod body with a long tail. Chinese pangolin are 70-80 cm long with tail 2834cm and are covered with large rounded overlap scales of dark brown and yellow brown
colour (Heath 1992,Baral and Shah 2008) whereas the Indian Pangolin are 700-120 cm with
yellowish brown scales on the body (Chakraborty et al.2002, Baral and Shah 2008).
1.2 Ecology
Pangolins are widely distributed in primary and secondary tropical forests, limestone forests,
bamboo forests, grasslands and agricultural fields (Gurung 1996, Suwal 2011) which digs its
own burrows, or enlarges passages made by termites. They are solitary, nocfurnal, good
climber though terrestrial (Kaspal 2009). The diet consists of ants and termites (Prater 1971,
Heath and Vanderlip 1983). They are slow breeders (Shrestha 2003) and generally unsocial
(Suwal 2011).
1.3 Distribution of pangolin
Indian pangolins are found in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Chinese
pangolins are distributed in Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Hong Kong, India, Lao PDR,
Myanmar, Nepal, Taiwah, Province of China, Thailand, Viet Nam and Nepal. In Nepal
Chinese pangolin is distributed throughout Nepal. They are reported frorir Annapurna
Conservation Area, Makalu Barun National Park, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, and
most of the districts from western to eastem Nepal. However, the Indian pangolin was
reported frorn Bardia National Park, Chitwan National Park, Shukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve
and surrounding districts (Bar4 Chitwan, Parsa) (Jnawali et at.20ll).
Ethnic importance of pangolin
Pangolins meat is consumed by ethnic communities in eastern Nepal because of their belief
of medicinal values. This results in hunting of the pangolin. However, hunting for subsistence
has been increasingly outweighed by hunting for the market (Corlett 2007). People have both
negative and positive attitudes for the pangolins. Some people think it as a great bad luck
when seen during the day while other ignored it. People think that its skin/scale is used to
make the rings, bags, purse and musical instruments while meat is used to cure gastrointestinal diseases, skin diseases, cardiac problefn, pain killer during the pregnancy and
1.4
during back pain problem.
1.5 Conservation status of the pangolins
The pangolins are listed on CITES Appendix II and Chinese pangolin is Endangered in IUCN
Red List whereas. Indian pangolin is Near Threatened. Both are protected in Nepal by
Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973. National conservation
status of Indian pangolin has been assessed as Endangered B I ab (iii, v) whereas for the
Chinese pangolin it's Endangered A2d+3d+4d (Jnawali et al. 20ll). While national
population status of the Indian pangolin is not known in Nepal. However for Chinese
pangolin it is assumed to be 5000 individuals in Nepal.
1.6 Threats to Pangolins
Threats to the pangolins are not address properly. It is assumed that they are threatened by
hunting (for trade and consumption), fiagmentation, habitat degradation and recently through
land management system (Challender et aL.2012). Similarly the major threats identified by
Jnawali et al. (2011) to the pangolins are:
Poaching usually
for trade in skin and
scales which has high demand
in China for
traditional Chinese medicine.
Persecution.
o
(D
Rapid habitat loss due to human encroachment for land conversion of agriculture land
to livestock grazing.
Habitat fragmentation due to loss of connectivity of suitable habitat.
Lack of awareness in the people and low economic status of the people.
Justification of the study
Eastern Nepal has been understood as more vulnerable area to pangolin trade in Nepal. It
occupies more potential area for the pangolins population, however has received least
scientific attention (Kaspal 2009). Since these species a1e rarely observed due to their
secretive, solitary, and nocturnal habits, there is not enough research on population densities
or global population (CITES 2000). There have been few documented records, and therefore
there is very little information available on the population status. Gurung (1996) found
dramatic decline in pangolin population due to increase in and habitat loss in Nagarjun
Forest. The current threats due to habitat destruction and trade in national and international
market, is depleting the population of pangolin rapidly. Much pangolin seizure news hit the
national print media and broadcasting media from the eastern Nepal. Similarly, open boarder
between Nepal-Tibet has accelerated this illegal activity.
1.7
People at eastem Nepal also use the pangolins scale and meat for traditional medicine. Due to
low economic condition of the people, poachers provoke them for hunting the species at low
price. People have less knowledge on importance of pangolins in agro-pest control as well as
its importance in the ecosystem maintenance. Thus, this project was conducted in eastern
Nepal, simultaneously to collect information of its trade, population and ethno use through
awareness program.
1.8 Objectives of the study
The main objectives of this proiect was to aware the people for the conservation o1'pangolins
ol'their area. However, the specific objectives include:
r
o
.
o
o
.
Scenario oftrade and its route identification from the area
Access their status and distribution within the area
Study the ethno-zoological importance of pangolins
Identification of conservatlon threats to the pangolins
Aware people about the conservation needs of pangolins
Limitation of lhe study
The study was conducted in only two districts of eastern Nepal, though there are many other
1.9
districts vuln'erable to the pangolins trade in eastern Nepal.
2.
Materials and Methods
2.1 Study area
Based on our preliminary survey in four districts of eastern Nepal in 2012, we chose two
most vulnerable dishicts, Dhankuta and Ilam for the survey of pangolins in the area. Ilam lies
within 6o55'0" N and 87o55"'0" E and has an area of 1703 sq. km. It is important place for
both intemal and external tourists. It is known for beautiful sunset and sunrise. It has wide
cultural diversity of Brahmin, Chettri, Rai, Limbu,Tamang etc. In Ilam we identified three
VDCs; Jitpur, Soyak and Laxmipur for the survey of pangolins. Similarly Dhankuta lies
within 26"59'0" N and 87"21'0" E enclosing an area of 892 sq.km. It lies within Koshi Zone.
The vegetation varies from subtropical to cooler temperate along the catchment of Tamor and
Arun River. Agriculture is the major occupation of most of the people. It has also wide
cultural diversity of Brahmin, Chettri, Rai, Limbu etc. In Dhankuta we identified four VDCs
Chumwang, Belahar, Ghorlikharka and Muga
N
A
Lesend *i]i;;ile
:
tJivtr'acrheadqtr;aila( ilii^ll}4iars
l-egend
n.nt-*1... . r--"1
er$ Q
1a
f,t*n\rplfrrt
i.-ir,,,,,I s*lhera
24
)
lSixlri*llteartyua*w
V.?7777.278.
^tttptlt Y.:mla
ffi
i::...:.::i
*h**s'+rans
ffi
rlhr"ir{i?rrarNa
$*ynk t$j%.
Tffiffi
v,r,o,,
vtlr)s
urt4
La>;r;ifrur
,
f)))v**
[:
llanr
f::
@
I
:1
*rraok&ti]
Figure 1 : Map of study area in eastern Nepal
2.2
Methods
'
We performed semi-structured questionnaire (modified from Newton et al. 2008, Chin and
Pantel 2009) with the people of different disciplines such as Community Forest Users'
Group, Forest Offices and Range Posts, Police, Army, traders related with forest products for
the survey of trade flow analysis, ethno use and threats to the pangolin survival. Similarly we
also performed telephone inquiries to take the required information on it. The trade flow of
pangolins was also collected with the help of record obtained from the district forest offices
and scales of pangolins were searched in indoor markets of the area.
Based on the discussion with the concerned authorities from DFO, local people and informal
sources, we identified the most three vulnerable VDCs for pangolin hunting and trade in each
district. Then for the survey of pangolin status, we then hire the local people of the area who
are local hunters. During the process, we make them sure that they would not be in problem
they show us the pangolin burrow or share the information to us. Then we visited at least five
if
wards in each VDC where there was high density of pangolin burrow. We made a plot of
100X100m (1 hectare) and randomly searched the pangolin burrow in each plot. The
pangolin burrow was not in uniform in distribution, so the number of plots varied in each
ward. In each district, we selected three VDCs, but in Dhankuta we selected "Uttarpani
Pravidhik Shikshyalaya' ward no. 1; moro at Belahar VDC, as it has large forest which was
supposed to hold more pangolins.
In each area, we interacted with locals in VDCs, local markets and 30 minutes lectures to
schoolchildren in different schools were delivered. During the process five thousand copies
of A4 size brushier relating to pangolin were printed and disseminated to the people. We also
performed a school art completion in each district. As most of the students were unknown
about the pangolins, we performed the awareness program and school art completion was
arranged. The winners were provided with handsome prize. Awareness program was
performed in VDCs, main city, p6lice station and DFOs etc both through lectures and posters
and leaflets distribution. Similarly FM interview was delivered to aware the mass people.
4 Statistical analysis
All the data were filled in excel sheet. Frequency and cross tabulation was done to find the
association between different variables. Chi-square test was performed to see whether there
2.2.
was significant difference in buruows sighting in four districts. Same test was also performed
see whether there was any significant difference in pangolin export to India and China
boarder or not. Similarly, we analyzed the distribution of burrows with respect to elevation,
aspects, different habitats and effect of diffract variables. All the analysis was performed
through SPSS (16).
to
3.
All
4l
Results
together, we interviewed 83 people of different communities and disciplines (Dhankutaandllam-42) during the study period.
3.1 Pangolins trade and its scenario
The trade of the pangolin peaked within the last 3-4 years. Before that, pangolin had no
economic value, people used to throw the scales after meat eaten, but the scenario changed
drastically when people started searching.it everywhere. We found 77.9% (Dhankuta-41.6%
and Ilam-31.4%) of people who had seen people selling the pangolins. It was the organized
chain of network and poaehers provoke unemployment and youths from ethnic groups
(mostly Limbu, Rai, Tamang, Sherpa etc.) to hunt the pangolins at local level and export to
the higher rank porters and exported to the boarding country. It was the easy way for their
livelihood. People use to search it for many days; some people hunt it regularly as their
regular job and is the best way to sustain their livelihood than any kind of farming. So the
price varied with the people and the area. The local hunters get low price, Rs 15000-20000/kg
($ 160-210/kg) which simultaneously increases to Rs 250000-300001kg ( $260-315/kg) to Rs
50000/kg ($ 5ZSltg; and more to Rs 100000/kg ($ 1050&9) depending upon the bargaining
and rank of the poachers. It is a chain work and the price gets doubled in most of the
transaction, so the price will soar more at the boarders. According to them, more pangolins
were exported to China (8a.a%) than any other countries, where trade of pangolins was
significantly different within the different countries (f:8.421, P<0.04, d.f.=3). The trade
flow of the pangolin takes through different trade routes. HoweVer, most of the poachers
followed:
Ilam: Some people at Ilam think that it is exported to India via Darjeeling. However,
some think that it is exported to Kathmandu and then haded via Sindkhupalchowk
boarder (Tatopani naka), also it is exported to Dhankuta through Dharan and send to
Tibet via Sankhuwasaba district.
Dhankuta: People at Dhankuata think it is sold to the market of Dhankuta, Hile,
Pakharibas and simultaneously exported to Sankhuwasaba district and finally
exported to Tibet.
Photo
1:
Scales of Pangolins for trading
3.1.1 Hunting procedure
During our interview, most of the respondents had similar approach in hunting procedures.
The commonly practice way of, hunting pangolin was to dig buruow when it was sighted.
When burrow was dig, some water was filled in it, by virtue pangolins come out and during
the process, it was hit in the snout and it dies. Some people also use fire after burow digging.
The burrow excavated to hunt the pangolins could be easily seen in most of the place of the
study are4 however, more prominent tunnels can be observed in Muga VDC, where the
length of the tunnel was more than 15m. Similarly,'poachers use trained dogs (number varies)
to hunt the pangolins. The dogs were trained to catch the pangolins. The dogs can identiy the
pangolins scent and people also'use the torchlight to focus the pangolins. Dogs bark and
attach the snout part of the pangolins and then it was hit to kill with the hard substance.
Photo 2: Pangolin's burrow excavated by poachers to hunt the pangolins at Muga, Dhankuta
3.2 Status and distriblrtion of pangolins burrow
84.3% (Dhankuta-43.4% and Ilam-4l%)had seen live pangolins whereas 93.9% (Dhankuta42.7% and Ilam-512%)had seen burrows in their areas. However, we could not see any live
pangolins in spite of our large efforts. Similarly, 66.30/o think that they only prefer termites,
very few of them think that it eats ants and other insects whereas 24.1% thinks for both ants
and termites
Photo 3: Burrows of pangolins: a) Old burrow under the termites'
Burrow under the rocks d) Old burrow
b) Fresh burrow c)
3.2.1 Distribution of pangolins burrows in the area
We recorded 1328 burrows in Dhankuta and Ilam during the study period where old burrows
were more frequent (1046) than new (207) utd fresh (46) (figure ...). We recorded more
burrows in Ilam (717) than Dhankuta (611). The distribution of burrows was significantly
difference within the VDCs 1f:t.OSl, P<0.01, d.f:l2), where we recorded more burrows in
Ghorlikharkha VDC of Dhankuta district followed Qy Laxmipur VDC of Ilam district.
oI Ine
studv area
vtJL.s of
in olllerenl
the s[u
Durrow ln
different VDCs
10n oI
I: IJISIT1DU
Table
E 1:
Distribution
of pango[n's
oansolin's burrow
Total
Burrow
VDC
District
New
Fresh
old
4
63
I3
46
Chumwang
54
2
0
52
Dhankuta Belhara
286
2l
BO
Ghorlikharkha l85
a
208
2
J
203
Muga
r99
44
L4
t4r
Jeetpur
25r
28
11
212
Ilam
Soyak
267
23
37
207
Laxmipur
1328
Total
Distribution of burrows along the elevation gradients
We recorded burrows from 500m to 2100m elevation gradients. Burrows were sparsely
dishibuted below 800m and aboye 1600m. Higher number of burows was recorded along
1100-1200m. The burrows distribution was significantly different within the elevational
gradients (f :+o.gs l, P <0.02, d.f.:28).
3.2.2
W*tt>
ffirw*t
['?rRrslr
'*
$,
(l
lb
I*
J
;El
,*
D
a
7
b
;?r.-..lco/,:?.*(r.,+,r<
,At
Ct
C)
(3
,:,1
*
,l:,
r:)
ft
*!
*
i
*
t::<
Q
J
t:,)
*
t,?.t
i
,rn?
t:}
t?..
*
"{a
42
CX
!.a
Cil
{:(
t2
&
,-1!.,
t:]"<
l>
*
',:l
(:,
r:1
^A
)}"'
(*
f)
t..l
,}
Ci
r:,
i'.)
+
r:i
A
Elevation {m}
Figure 2: Elevational distribution of pangolin's burrow
Distribution of burrows in different habitat types
We recorded higher number of burrows in agricultural land followed by natural forest. The
burows were less distributed in the disturbed forest and scrub vegetation. Not only old
3.2.3
burrows, but also fresh and new burrows were high in agricultural land.
Table 2: B\nows distribution in different habitat types
Burrow
Habitat rrJ
Degraded
forest
S
old
New
Fresh
Total
93
22
12
127
20s
36
13
254
464
tt7
34
615
267
27
13
307
Scrub
vesetation
Agricultur{l
land
I
Natural
forest
Distribution of burrows lrnr,n .".n"ct to aspects
Aspect had least effect in tht} distribution of burrows. Distribution of burrows was not
significantly different within tlie aspects. However, we recorded higher number of burrows
along South-West and North-Eist, North-West and North aspects.
3.2.4
I
Wi?*CI
ffit+tlt
t*rn.**u
[I}
B
a
7
t
L.
.6
,at}
tI
ry
l.i*F.TH Ei,SUTH l.{*nTH
te.tiT
Aspect
Figure 3: Distribution of pangolins burow with respect to aspect
Effect of proximate variables on the distribution of burrows
Distance to the nearest water source had direct effect in the burrow distribution. We found
significant difference in burrow distribution wiih respect to water sources (f:46.851,
P<0.01, d.t.:26) where we recotded higher number of burows within the distance of 50100m which was followed by 100-150m. One burow was observed about 700mfar from the
water source as well. However, distance to the trails and house had no marked effect (no
significantly difference) in the distribution of burrows. The burrows were very close to the
small walking trails of the human, rnore recorded within the distance of 0-50m whereas more
burrows were at least 50-200m apart from the houses.
Wr:tc
ttlt*,rr
Elt"o
,iJft.t9k
iillrnllir
frrttti
rtj
v
o
\^
s
J
*"
o
o
a
&rt)
if
i0'? 1{}11iU
151. t:i}1- 2r'1,ar'J
:3.ii
i**
44,^
;ki:. Jf1'
':i,J,i
JIJ
SN
;151" fl}t^
]J,
&i, -'d
igt" qd #; *0.&!;";t;
::U
DistaneE ftom trails {m}
X?b
ii,k
i{i
?i.,1,
?il
6;it"
0istonce from wrter sources {m}
Figure 4: Distribution of burrows: a) respect to walking trails b) water sciurces
3.3 Ethno-zoological importance
Most of the people don't know the medicinal value of the pangolins. But 59.3Yo (29.6Yo each)
of the respondents had eaten the pangolins meat. However, some people revealed that meat
was used during the gastro intestinal problem, cardiac problem, back pain relief, bone
problem etc. and scale was used to make rings and cure burn wounds. People think that meat
has high nutritional value. Most of the people think that meat is red and becomes dark red
when fried. The meat bulges when fried. People think that meat taste like buff, pork and
sometimes chicken as well. Similarly, it has taste of mud, so people also keep in the smoke
for some days before cooking. Most of the peoplcthank that its scale (last one) will help to
distinguish the poison from the liquor, kept in "Kokro" (baby basket) to prevent children
from different communicable disbases and to make different purse, jackets and instruments.
Pangolin sighti4g will not stand good to everybody,71.lyo of them think that pangolins
sighting will be bad luck for them, However 27.7% said it will not make any difference, only
1.2%o think it will be good to see pangolins. Such perception was significantly different
within the districts where more people at Ilam think it will be bad luck to encounter with the
pangolins.
3.4 Conservation threats
We found decrease in the trend by of the pangolins by 97.6% (Dhankuta-46.3% and Ilam51.2%) from last five years. More number of respondents (54.4%) did not know that
pangolins are protected animals. Nevertheless, 72Yo if them presented the view of the
pangolins conservation. Moreover, more number of people, 28.2% of the respondents had
eaten the pangolins meat after knowing its conservation status. Only 32.IYo had eaten the
pangolins meat without knowing their protection status. 40.5% respondents who had eaten
the pangolins meat think that pangolins should be conserved. Besides trade, deforestation,
habitat degradation, forest fire and lack of awaren'ess were major threats to the pangolins in
our study area. We recorded less burrows iri deforested and fire area.
10
Photo 4: Forest fire in the pangolins habitat
3.5 Aw4reness program
Both brushier and posters were distributed in two districts of the eastern Nepal. People
showed keen interest in our program and were aware about the importance of pangolins in
their livelihood. Many people were educated about the status of the pangolins during the
schedule surveys and through different following means:
3.5.1 School awareness program
We performed school awareness program both lower and higher secondary schools for
educating the students about the pangolins where we gave 30 min lecture to the students
about the collective information about Pangolins and 20 min discussion was made after the
lectures. Simultaneously discuss was made with teachers in the offices.
Following schools were chosen for the awareness program:
In Dhankuta district
. Shree Tribhuvan Primary School, Chumwang-6
. Shree Bharati Higher Secqndary School, Chumwang-5
o Shree Gramin Samajik Secondary School, Ghorlikharka-7
In IIam district
. Shree Jeetpur Higher Secondary School, Jeetpuro Shree Bal Kanya Secondary School, Soyak-7
We performed school arts completion in Shree Gramin Samajik Secondary School and
Jeetpur Higher Secondary School of each district. Mr. Nagaendra Tamang, Class 9, Ms.
Deepa Deuja, class 9 and Mr. Suraj Tamang, class 6, stood 1tt, 2no and 3'd respectively at
Dhankuta district. Similarly, Mr. Gopal Diyali, class 9, Mr. Kusang Patre, class l0 and Mr.
Buddha Magar, class 9 were awarded for the 1't, 2nd and 3'd prize respectively at Ilam district.
Photo 5:
Nagendra
Tamang
1,1
3.5.2 Community awareness program
Besides school children, wg also educated the community from each district about the
importance of pangolins in their livelihood. We performed aryareness program in Haat Bazar
(local market), CDO offices, in hotels and DFO offices.
3.5.3 Media awareness program
With the view to educate the lager people about the conservation of pangoliRs, we
disseminated our information through the radio news. Conservation news was disseminated
through Kanchenjunga Radio and Nepal Bani FM of Dhankuta and Ilam respectively.
Photo 6: Awareness program on pangolins: a) Community b-d) Schools
T2
4.
Discussion
Globally, pangolins are protected (Duckworth et al. 2008, Jnaw ali et al. 2}ll) but its trade is
increasing rapidly (Newton et al. 2008). Demand in the restaurant as bush meat and Chinese
traditional medicine have higher the trade of the pangolins (Challender et al.2012). As in out
study, most of the people speculated that China export more pangolin products than any other
countries (Semiadi et al.2009). Poachers used local people to hunt the pangolins for the sake
of money. Lack of education, low economic status and awareness are hitting the trade of the
wild animals, like pangolins in the eastem Nepal. People are lnore conscious about the
protection status of the pangolins, so the price of the pangolins product varied within the
people and the level ofthe poachers. The price gets very high when it reaches to the boarders.
In Vietnam and China local hunter gets more than US$ 95 and 170 respectively (Duckworth
et al. 2008, Yue 2009). This price is already met at the Nepalese market and is expected to
increase higher. People made the lrade of the pangolin alternate way to suStain the livelihood
than through the farming system. This practice started just within 3-4 ears back, when
poachers entered the village to collect the pangolins. Before that, people hunt it more for
meat than trade (Suwal 2011). The hunting procedure was almost similar as also identified
by the Newton et al. (2008). In our study, people use to dig burrows and fill water when some
activities of pangolins seen than using trained dogs. However, Newton et al. (2008) found
using trained dogs more than trackirig the pangolins sign, pangolins traps and spotlighting
fixing.
ln spite of one addition VDC survey at Dhankuta, we recorded higher number of all kinds of
pangolins burrows at Ilam than Dhankuta. As pangolins are nocturnal animal, their sighting
was very difficult. Most of the respondents had seen both live pangolins and burrows, we
could not see it. We searched till the late evening, but all in vain. Suwal (2011) and Bhandari
(2013) also found higher number of respondents who had seen burrows and live pangolins.
Different factors had effect in the distribution of burrows. Pangolins are distributed in the
mid-hills of the Nepal. We also found higher number of burows at the elevation of 10001200m. Globally the pangolins population had been decreasing. About 5000 Chinese
pangolins exit in Nepal (Jnawali et al.2011), but it is subjected to decline sharply. Baral and
Shah (2008) also discussed the distribution of Chinese pangolins within upper elevation
gradients of 2500m. However, they are very hardly distributed above the 1800m due to cold
environments. Suwal (2011) also found higher number of burrows within the elevation of
1500-1520m in Kavre district. Similarly Bhandari (2013) also found more burrows at 14501550m. They might prefer tropical and subtropical climatic zones. Though Suwal (2013)
found higher number of pangolins burow in east facing slope but Bhandari (2013) found
higher number of burrows at northwest facing slopes, almost similar to our findings.
The burrow was directly and indirectly affected by the habitat composition, aspects and
elevation. The main reason behind the selection of the agricultural land might be the easy
available of food resources and easy to dig as the soil in the agricultural land is loose enough.
Similarly, natural forest might provide more places to hide and also might be for food
availability. Due to high movement of people and lack of suitable habitat, pangolins might
have been recorded less in the disturbed forest. Similarly, distribution of burrows was also
affected with the nearest distance to the walking. trails, houses and water sources. Water
sources had direct effect in the distribution of the burows than walking trails and houses. As
pangolins also need water for them, they prefer to dig the bumows near by it, because it will
be easy to dig bunows and termites, ants and other insects also prefer such moist habitats.
13
Most of the respondents had no idea for the ethno use of the pangolins meat and skin. Only
old people use it in very less way for some purposes. But scales are widely used in preparing
the Chinese medicine (CITES 2000, Duckworth et at.2008, Shepherd 2009, Mhhmood et al.
2012) and manufacturing musical instruments, bags, purses, jackets etc. Most of the
respondents think that meat iS nutritious and use to cure different asthma, clear muscular and
bone diseases etc (Bhandari 2013). Majority of the respondents think that sighting of
pangolins in daytime will be bad luch but it has not affected on the conservation of the
pangolins. Today trade for the sake of money has overcome such beliefs and people want to
take risk or define in other way for such concept. Money will be more important than any
kind of incidents associated within the pangolins sighting, because people knew it will be the
bad luck and knew the conservation status ofthe pangolins, but the trade is not decreasing.
This implies for the sharp decline of the pangolins population from the eastern Nepal. Gurung
(1996) and Suwal (201 l) also found decrease in pangolins population from the central Nepal.
Similarly, CITES (2000), Duckworth et al. (2008), Yue (2009), Suwal (2011) and Bhandari
(2013) also discussed poaching and habitat degradation as pertinent factor for reducing the
pangolin population.
Besides trade, deforestation, habitat degradation, forest fire and lack of awareness had
checked the distribution of pangolins in the area. Half of the respondents do not know the
protection status of the pangolins, so we performed the awareness program. This activity will
help them to know about the importance of pangolins in their livelihood. The school arts
completion also helped the school children learned about ecology of the pangolins. Hence
effective monitoring techniques and conservation activities should be caried out for the
conservation of pangolins (Yongpin g2009).
L4
5.
Conclusions andRecommendations
We found sharp increase in trade of pangolins in Dhankutaandllam districts of the eastern
Nepal. The condition is worst in VDCs like Chumwang and Muga where poachers have
almost extirpated the pangolins of their area. Though large number of people thinks it as bad
luck but this has not affected in poaching activities. The price is soaring day by day because
of which hunting is increasing. This might be the reason why we get very low number of
fresh burrows. The burrows were more abundant in agricultural land and distribution of
pangolin was affected by the elevation, where large number of pangolin was seen in 11001200m. Water sources had more effect in distribution of burrows than walking trails, nearest
house distance and aspects. Though more than 50o/o of the respondents think that pangolins
should be conserved, most of them had eaten pangolins meat. However, people still do not
know the zoological and ecological importance of pangolins. Habitat degradation and forest
fire were other threats for the pangolins. Thus we educated large number of people in the
study area through school program, community interaction and media.
Based
on our observation and interaction with the people of the
area, following
recommendations were made:
a
o
More security force and awareness within them should be carried out in each district.
Altemative and capacity building activities should be carried out with focusing the
youths.
o
o
O
a
Scientific study on ecology of the pangolins should be carried orit.
Habitat should be protected; more care should be taken for fire and deforestation.
Schools and community awareness program should be carried out regularly.
Pangolin conservation action plan should be worked out.
L5
,
o
o
a
o
*
o
r
o
o
o
€
.
.
o
o
r
Baral,
H. S. and K. B.
6.
References
Shah (2008). Wild Mammals
of Nepal. Himalayan Nature,
Kathmandu.
Bhandari, N (2013). Dishibution, habitat utilization and threats assessment of Chinese
pangolin (llanis pentadactylaLinnaeus, 1758) in Nagarjun forest of Shivapuri Nagarjun
National Park. M.Sc. Thesis. Central Department of Zoology, Tribhuvan Univ'ersity,
Kathmandu, Nepal.
Chakraborty, S., S, Ramakrishna and R. Chakrabofi (2002). Pangolins (Mammlia:
Pholiodota) of India. Zoological society of India. ENVIS Newsletter 9:5-9.
Challender, D. W. S., J. E. M. Baillie, C. Waterman and the IUCN-SSC Pangolin
Specialist Group (2012). Catalyzing conservation action and raising the profile of
pangolins - the IUCN-SSC Pangolin Specialist Group (PangolinSG). Asian Journal of
Conserv ation Biologt l(2): 140 -141.
Chin, S. Y. and S. Pantel (2008). Pangolin Capture and T'rade in Malaysia. Proceedings of
the Workshop On Trade And Conservation of Pangolins native to South And Southeast
Asia, 30 June - 2 July 2008, Singapore Zoo,144-162.
CITES (2000). Prop. 11.13. Manis crassicaudata, Manis pentadactyla, Manis javanica.
Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I (India, Nepal, Sri Lank4 United States).
Available at: http://www.cites.orglen gl cop/ I I lprop/ 13.pdf .
Duckworth, J. W., R. Steinmitz, A. Pattanavibool, T. Zaw, D. Tuoc and P. Newton
(2008).Manis'pentadactyla. In: IUCN 2011. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Version 20 1 L2. www. iucnredlist.org
GenB, Y. P (2009). Pangolin Trafficking-related Crimes in China. ln: S. Pantel and C. S.
Yun (ed.).2009. Proceedings of the Workshop on Trade and Conservation of -Pangolins,,
Native to South and Southeast Asia, 30 June-2 July 2008, 75-79.
Gurung, J. B. (1996). A pangolin survey in Royal Nagarjung Forest in Kathrnandu,
Nepal. Tigerpaper 23 (2): 29 -32.
Heath, M. E. and S. L. Vanderlip (1988). Biology, husbandry, and veterinary care of
captive Chinese pangolins (Manis pentadactyla). Zoo Biology 5($:387-390.
Hiep N.M. (2009). Pangolin Conservation in Viet Nam. Proceedings of the Workshop On
Trade And Conservation of Pangolins native to South And Southeast Asia, 30 June - 2
July 2008, Singapore Zoo,40-43.
Jnawali, S. R., H. S. Baral, S. Lee, N. Subedi, K. P. Achaya, G. P. Upadhyay, M.
Pandey, R. Shrestha, D. Joshi, B. R. Lamichhane, J. Griffiths, A. Khatiwada and R. Amin
(compilers) (2011). The Status of Nepal's Mammals: The National Red List Series.
Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Kathmandu, Nepdl.
Kaspal, P. (2009). Saving the Pangolins: Ethno zoology and Pahgolin conservation
awareness in human dominated landscape. A Preliminary report to The Rufford Small
Grants Foundation
Mahmood, T., R. Hussain., N. Irshad, F. Akrim and M. S. Nadeem (2012).Illegal Mass
Killing of Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudara) in Potohar Region, Pakistan. Pakiston
Journal of Zoologt 44 (5):1457-1461.
Newton, P., N. V. Thai, S. Roberton and D. Bell (2008). Pangolins in peril: using local
hunters' knowledge to conserve elusive species in Vietnam. Enclangered Species
Research 6: 41-53.
;
Nooren, H. and G. Claridge (200,l). Wildlife trade in Laos: end of the game. Netherlartd
Committee for IUCN, Amsterdam.
L6
.t
.
,
o
o
.
a
o
Prater, S. H. (1971). The Book of Indian ATimals. Bombay Natural History,Society,
lndia.
Semiadi, G., D. Darnaedi and A. J. Arief (2008). Sunda Pangolin Manis .iavanica
Conservation in Indonesia: Status & Problems. Proceedings of the Workshop On Trade
And Conservation of Pangolins native to South And Southeast Asia, 30 June - 2 July
2008, Singapore Zoo, 12-17 .
Shepherd, C.R. (2009). Overview of Pangolin Trade in Southeast Asia. Proceedings of
the Workshop On Trade And Conservation of Pangolins native to South And Southeast
Asia, 30 June - 2 July 2008, Singapore Zoo, 6-9.
Shrestha, T.K. (2003). Wildlife of Nepal (Second Edition). Bimala Shrestha, Kathmandu,
Nepal.
Suwal, T. L. (2011). Status, Dishibution, Behaviour and Conservation of Pangolins in
private and Community Forest of Balthali in Kavre, Nepal. M.Sc. Thesis. Centfal
Department of Zoology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Yongping, G. (2009). Pangolin Trafficking-related Crimes irr China. Proceedings of the
Workshop On Trade And Conservation of Pangolins native to South And Southeast Asia
30 June -2 July 2008, Singapore Zoo,75-79.
Yue, Z. Q\A\. Conservation and Trade Conttol of Pangolins in China. Proceedings of
the Workshop On Trade And Conservation of Pangolins native to South And Southeast
Asia, 30 June - 2 July 2008, Singapore Zoo,66-74.
L7