A reinforced device to preserve an animal in danger. The pangolin, accused of having transmitted the new coronavirus to humans, is the most poached mammal in the world. In India, where two different species of pangolins live, the authorities of the state of Maharashtra (center-west) have decided to react to save the skin (or rather the scales) of the animal. As reported by the daily Hindustan Times, whose information was spotted by the International Courier, the mammal is now the subject of a five-year conservation plan.
In India, the region of Maharashtra, where poaching is very widespread, is inaugurating an unprecedented device in the fight against the illegal trade in pangolin, a protected species. As a member of the government agency against wildlife crime told The Hindustan Times, pangolin meat is still consumed as much and its scales are particularly prized. The scales are even “kept by some to be used as a lucky charm” or to serve “so-called witchcraft”. “This fuels illegal trade, and our mission is to coordinate our efforts with those of other states, collect intelligence and educate the public and law enforcement agencies,” adds the expert.
A hunt with hunting dogs
The committee in charge of this safeguarding plan will focus in particular on the identification of hot spots of illicit pangolin trafficking, or the protection of the animal’s natural habitat. “Unlike tigers and leopards, pangolins have never been the center of attention, despite their very important ecological role,” a member of a wildlife organization told The Hindustan Times.
In the state of Maharashtra, where the capital Bombay is located, the pangolin hunt by poachers is carried out in forest areas with the help of hunting dogs. Other Indian states are urged to take strong conservation measures to prevent the species from becoming extinct.
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