Forest dept urges public to inform about wild animal in distress
Shillong, June 26: A Chinese Pangolin and an Asian Palm Civet, which were rescued by forest staff and rehabilitated at Meghalaya State Zoo, were released into Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary on Friday.
The release is significant given the ecological roles of both the species, Forest officials said.
The Chinese Pangolin, listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, acts as a natural pest controller and “ecosystem engineer” by feeding on ants and termites, helping prevent crop and soil damage.
The Asian Palm Civet aids forest regeneration by dispersing seeds across wide ranges, supporting biodiversity and reforestation.
According to Forest officials, the Chinese Pangolin was rescued by staff of the Nongpoh (Wildlife) Range from NH-6 near Jiva Restaurant, Nongpoh.
The Asian Palm Civet was rescued from Jaintia Hills in a severely injured condition recently.
Both the animals were shifted to the Meghalaya State Zoo for treatment, care, and monitoring.
After veterinary experts certified them fit for release, the operation was carried out jointly by the Meghalaya State Zoo and Nongpoh (Wildlife) Range under the Khasi Hills Wildlife Division.
Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and CEO of the Meghalaya Zoo Project Implementation Society, PK Agrahari and Meghalaya State Zoo Director Pavan Khade were present along with other department officials.
“Wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and release are essential components of conservation efforts,” Agrahari said.
He noted that the Chinese Pangolin is protected under Schedule-I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, which provides the highest degree of legal protection.
“However, the species is facing serious threats from illegal wildlife trade and habitat loss,” he said.
Agrahari added that the successful release reflects the department’s commitment to wildlife conservation and animal welfare.
He appealed to the public to inform the department about wild animals in distress so they can be treated and released.
Pangolins remain the most heavily trafficked mammals globally, accounting for up to 20% of the illegal wildlife trade.
An estimated one million pangolins were poached worldwide in the last decade.
In Meghalaya, the Forest Department has detected seven cases of illegal smuggling of pangolins and pangolin scales in the last five years, booked under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
The issue of rampant poaching of the Chinese Pangolin was also raised recently by the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, who flagged severe ant infestations and agricultural damage in Garo Hills.
He said the ant-eaters are vital for natural pest control.
