KARACHI: Despite being a protected species, pangolins face multiple threats in Pakistan where their population has drastically reduced, mainly owing to continued poaching for illegal international trade. The scaly mammalian plays an important ecological role and needs to be protected.

This was stated by World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF-P) experts in relation with World Pangolin Day being observed on Saturday.

Of the eight species of pangolin, only the Indian pangolin is found in Pakistan. It has been reported from various parts of the country including hilly and sandy areas of Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List, all species of pangolins are endangered and require immediate conservation efforts. The Indian pangolin is listed as endangered since 2009.

Pangolins, experts say, are the most heavily trafficked animal in the world and in Pakistan. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) estimates that more than one million pangolins have been victims of illegal wildlife trade globally over the last decade.

The IIUCN estimates over 50 per cent decrease in the global pangolin population in the next 21 years.

Pakistan, according to WWF-P, lies along a strategic air, land and sea route, forming a gateway to East Asia, which makes it a major source country for illegal wildlife trade.

“Indian pangolin remains one of the highest trafficked animals sourced from Pakistan owing to increasing demand for their meat, scales and derived products to countries including China and Vietnam. This is despite the fact that the species is protected under federal and provincial wildlife laws in country,” Dr Babar Khan, director of wildlife and regional head (Sindh and Balochistan) at WWF-P, said.

The organisation, he pointed out, had undertaken several projects to help protect the species, including the recent national plan of action for combating illegal wildlife trade in which more than 500 officials from law enforcement agencies were trained to monitor illegal wildlife trade and made aware of relevant legal framework.

“There is an urgent need for creating awareness among the general public especially youth because of their non-familiarity with this animal,” he explained, citing instances in which the animal was killed in Karachi by people who got scared on spotting it.

Mohammed Waseem, manager, Pangolin Project at WWF-P, said the project would help counter trafficking and address pangolin poaching and trade in the Kirthar area (Sindh) Potohar (Punjab) and Azad Kashmir.

“The project targets critical data gaps regarding the illegal wildlife trade, weak deterrence for smugglers, lack of government resources (including capacity, equipment, technology, etc) and a lack of inter-agency coordination,” he said.

Pangolins provide all-natural pest control and are fantastic soil caretakers, and they do these things simply through their everyday behaviours.

Published in Dawn, February 17th, 2018