In a decisive action to combat wildlife trafficking, the Central Forest Division, Government of Manipur successfully intercepted and seized a consignment of 4 kilograms of Chinese pangolin (manis pentadactyla) scales on 11^th Nov 2024.

Acting on intelligence gathered by the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), the Forest Department conducted a covert operation in the Chingmeirong Khongnang Karak area in Imphal, resulting in the arrest of the accused individual who was booked under relevant sections of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

4 kg of Pangolin scales rescued by Central Forest Division, Government of Manipur 

The Chinese pangolin is classified as ‘critically endangered’ due to rampant poaching driven by demand for its scales. It is listed under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 and included in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

As the world’s most trafficked mammal, the pangolin faces an ongoing threat due to the demand for its scales and skin. While the scales are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine which are claimed to treat ailments such as heart disease and supposedly have aphrodisiac properties, the skin is used for making leather products.

N. Ganesh, IFS, DFO, Central Forest Division stated that this operation represents a major success in the state’s ongoing battle against illegal wildlife trade. He encouraged citizens to report any suspicious activities related to wildlife trafficking in order to help safeguard the nation’s natural heritage and biodiversity.

Debobroto Sircar, Head—Wildlife Crime Control Division, WTI stated that WTI’s Countering Pangolin Trafficking Project, supported by the Wildlife Conservation Network’s Pangolin Crisis Fund (PCF), aims to stop the illegal wildlife trade of pangolins along the highly porous Indo-Myanmar borders. The project also supports enforcement authorities by providing wildlife crime prevention training for frontline forest staff.