Research Projects

Objective: i. To study the population status and distribution of Chinese pangolin across different protected areas and reserve forests in North-eastern states of India. ii. To determine the habitat preference and activity pattern of Chinese pangolin in the study areas. iii. Assessment of conservation threats via hunting, capturing techniques, poaching, and illegal trading of pangolin. iv. Understanding reasons for hunting of pangolin and social-economic status of communities surrounding habitats of pangolin. v. Identify the degree of trading and trade routes in the North-eastern states of India and through the States of West Bengal (Siliguri) and Bihar up to More border. vi. To develop a Conservation Strategy and Alternate Livelihood Options available to the local communities and persons involved in the trafficking and trading of endangered animals and in particular the Chinese Pangolin. Ecotourism could be an option. One of the basic objectives of ecotourism is to engage local communities so that they benefit from conservation, economic development and environmental education. vii. Attitude and perceptions of local communities towards Chinese pangolin and pangolin Conservation. viii. Sensitization of local communities through an educational awareness program and capacity building. ix. The Project shall be implemented along with Wildlife Crime Control Bureau.

Output: Considering the fact that the Chinese pangolin (Manta pentodactyla) is the most hunted mammalian species and is categorized as a Critically Endangered species by IUCN and CITES, conservation of the species and constraining its trading in the region will be the prime objective of the study. This project aims at a ground-based survey. Some of the practical conservation outputs of the study include the Development of maps of trading hotspot zones in the States to strengthen patrolling activities to curb pangolin trade in the state. GIS and GPS data should be prepared and the movement of animals should be recorded. Activity and movement patterns can be estimated using data collected by direct observations and capture. recapture collected using live traps, camera trapping, or using radio tracking devices. Reduction of poaching cases due to awareness programs. People's perception of the conservation of pangolin will be changed. Degree of hunting, trading and trading routes including via Siliguri (West Bengal), Bihar up to More border will be available helping to restrain pangolin trade in the region. Students and school children will develop a better mindset towards the conservation of wild species in the region. Proper trained and knowledgeable forest guards will be established through capacity building. Gaps between plans of forest management and their implementation by local communities will be reduced. Outcome: Information on the population status and distribution of Chinese pangolin in different landscapes of North East. India. The study will be a first of its kind to identify the status of the critically endangered species in the country. Development of a baseline database on their distribution, relative abundance activity pattern, and habitat preference. Development of maps of trading hotspot zones in the state to strengthen patrolling activities to curb pangolin trade not only in North East India but also from Siliguri in West Bengal and to More Border through which most of the trading takes place. Data on the extent of hunting, trading, and trading routes will be available helping to restrain pangolin trade in the region. Conservation strategy and alternative livelihood options shall be developed so that people's perception of the conservation of pangolin is changed. Eco-tourism could be an option. One of the basic objectives of ecotourism is to engage local communities so that they benefit from conservation, economic development, and environmental education. Locals serve mostly as tourist guides, food providers, or souvenir vendors in the locality. Moreover, those households that will directly benefit from the eco-tourism industry should have better knowledge of local natural resources and greater general awareness of conservation issues. Reduction of poaching cases due to education awareness programs. Students and school children will develop a better mindset toward the conservation of wildlife in this region.