Sofiya K.C.
Nepal is home to two pangolin species: the Critically Endangered Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) and the Endangered Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata). They are widely distributed in the country, including many areas outside protected zones. Surkhet, located in mid-western Nepal, has records of Pangolins, but no formal studies have been conducted yet. With increasing illegal trade and human encroachment nationwide, Pangolins are facing their most vulnerable state. Nepal’s Pangolin Conservation Action Plan (2018-2022) emphasizes the need for documenting pangolin habitats, involving stakeholders, and raising awareness for conservation efforts.
This project aims to address these goals through a comprehensive survey of pangolin habitats, monitoring with camera traps, involving community members as data gatherers, and launching an awareness campaign to promote a community-driven approach to pangolin conservation.
Specifically, the project focuses on identifying and monitoring pangolin burrows within the community forests of Surkhet District. It also involves empowering and engaging youth through hands-on training in these techniques. This initiative will identify pangolin hotspot areas, providing baseline data for monitoring future population trends. By training youth as citizen scientists, the project helps to ensure sustainable conservation efforts through youth involvement in consistently monitoring pangolin habitats and reporting any illegal poaching or trade to the authorities. Community involvement is essential for the successful conservation of pangolins. A communication campaign near pangolin habitats will be implemented to emphasize the importance of protecting these animals and their habitats to all stakeholder groups and school students. All these efforts will be documented, and a conservation story format will be utilized to inspire others to engage in pangolin conservation efforts.