It is concerning to learn that pangolins, which are often overlooked due to their nocturnal nature and elusive behavior, are facing an unprecedented crisis. The recent arrest of two individuals in Kathmandu with 770 grams of pangolin scales—ironically, on the eve of World Wildlife Day 2025—once again highlights the urgent need for stricter conservation measures. Just weeks before, another police operation in Gokarneshwor led to the seizure of 8.5 kilograms of pangolin scales. According to a report published by the African Wildlife Foundation in 2024, as many as 2.7 million pangolins are poached annually worldwide. The situation in Nepal looks equally alarming as poaching of this endangered species is increasing each successive year. In the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023/24, Nepal Police seized over 244 kilograms of pangolin scales, marking a sharp 28% increase from the previous year. Despite heightened awareness and the commendable efforts of Nepal’s law enforcement agencies, the trafficking of this species appears to be growing unchecked. With poaching on the rise, it is high time the government authorities took stringent measures to protect these endangered creatures before it is too late.
Conservationists say two species of Pangolins-- the Indian pangolin and the Chinese pangolin—are found in Nepal. The former is endangered, while the latter has been critically endangered since 2019. Both species are hunted relentlessly, with their scales and meat smuggled to China and Vietnam as there is a false belief that they have medicinal value. Their meat is also considered a delicacy, fueling a lucrative and illicit trade. It is said that the smuggling of Pangolins out of Nepal is on the rise lately as law enforcement authorities are focusing largely to curb smuggling of big mammals. While Nepal has made significant progress in containing the poaching and smuggling of larger mammals such as tigers and elephants, pangolins continue to slip through the cracks. The growing smuggling of Pangolin, if not checked on time, will have dire ecological consequences. Although they are relatively smaller creatures, pangolins play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems by controlling insect populations. A decline in their numbers could lead to an increase in pests such as termites and ants, which will eventually harm crops and affect the existing supply chain of food.
It is time for the government to act decisively keeping in view of the role Pangolin plays in maintaining balance of the ecosystem. The government must consider strengthening enforcement of anti-trafficking laws, introducing harsher penalties for poachers and increasing funding for conservation initiatives. The government authorities concerned should also expand specialized wildlife crime units such as the Central Investigation Bureau’s Environmental Crime pillar and enhance collaboration with counterpart bodies of the neighboring countries to bust the racket involved in smuggling pangolins. Public awareness campaigns can also be equally important in this regard as educating people about the ecological importance of pangolins can help to preserve this endangered species. The world has already lost too many species to human greed and neglect. Nepal must not allow pangolins to be the next casualty.