Protecting Pangolins: A Key to Restoring Manipur’s Ecological Balance

Amidst regional conflict, communities unite to save the most trafficked mammal, safeguarding biodiversity and their future.

In the hills of Manipur, the pangolin—a shy, nocturnal creature—holds the key to the region’s ecological balance. Despite being the most trafficked mammal globally, due to its high demand in traditional Chinese medicine, pangolins play a crucial role in maintaining soil health by burrowing and controlling termite populations. Their rapid decline has led to visible consequences in the local environment, including drier land and damaged crops. The connection between pangolins and agriculture has prompted concern among local villagers, who now realize the loss of this species is negatively impacting their livelihoods.

Amidst the ongoing conflict between the Meitei, Naga, and Kuki tribes, the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) has been working with local communities to raise awareness of pangolin conservation. Despite the challenges, conservationists are spreading the message that saving the pangolin is essential for preserving Manipur's biodiversity. The Tangkhul Naga villages have taken a landmark step by passing a resolution banning the hunting of pangolins, a move that aims to disrupt the illegal wildlife trade prevalent in the region.

With pangolins hunted for both sustenance and illegal trade, efforts to curb trafficking are complex. Manipur’s strategic location near the Myanmar border has made it a hub for illegal wildlife smuggling, but with the support of local leaders and religious organizations, there is hope for change. Churches in the region are also spreading the message of conservation, encouraging communities to view protecting wildlife as part of their spiritual duty. This unique combination of traditional values and modern conservation efforts is fostering a sense of responsibility toward the environment.

The work being done in Manipur not only benefits pangolins but serves as a model for larger wildlife conservation efforts across India. By uniting diverse communities around a common cause, the project aims to strengthen enforcement, raise awareness, and ensure a future where humans and wildlife can coexist. Protecting pangolins is just the first step in ensuring that Manipur’s rich biodiversity continues to thrive for generations to come.

Reference:

thebetterindia.com