Telangana, December 23^rd: In a decisive victory against the illicit wildlife trade of pangolins, the Forest Department of Telangana, with vital information and assistance from the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) team, successfully rescued three live adult Indian pangolins in Bhadrachalam and Enturnagaram. This operation marked the fourth live pangolin rescue in just eight months, following a previous rescue in the North-Eastern state of Manipur.

Enforcement operation, such as these are exceedingly rare and fraught with challenges, as traffickers move quickly to smuggle pangolins out of forests and into illegal supply chains, where they often face certain death. The Indian pangolin, one of the world’s most trafficked mammals, is heavily targeted for its scales, used in traditional oriental medicine, and its meat, regarded as a delicacy. These factors have made the species particularly vulnerable to death once captured by traffickers.

Indian pangolin rescued from illegal wildlife trade in Telangana

The tri-junction of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, the region, with ingrained history of hunting serves as a burgeoning epicenter for illegal wildlife trade. The landscape, characterized by its tropical dry deciduous forests, is a vital habitat for a myriad of species, including the critically endangered Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata). However, its dense vegetation, remote terrain, and inadequate law enforcement presence is also making it a haven for wildlife traffickers.

Acting promptly on tip-off provided by WTI, forest officials apprehended an individual involved in the illegal wildlife trade from Bhadrachalam, Telangana. The team successfully intercepted and rescued a live pangolin, which, to everyone’s relief, was found unharmed. A veterinarian from the Forest Department conducted a thorough health evaluation, confirming that the animal was in stable condition. On the same day, the success in Bhadrachalam was mirrored by another critical operation the in Enturnagaram, Telangana. Acting on information from WTI, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Enturnagaram led a team to rescue two more pangolins from the clutches of traders. These parallel operations disrupted trafficking networks and showcased the impact of swift, coordinated action against wildlife crime.

Following the successful rescue of the live pangolins, internationally recognized Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were meticulously implemented to ensure the animals received proper care and were returned to their natural habitat at the earliest opportunity, once deemed fit for release. Of the three pangolins rescued, all were promptly and safely reintroduced into the wild within 24 hours of rescue. Such timely releases are vital for minimizing stress and ensuring the animals’ successful re-integration into the wild. This also reflects the unwavering commitment of the Forest Departments and the power of collaboration between conservation teams and enforcement authorities.

Rescued Indian pangolin being released back into the wild

The fight against wildlife trafficking is far from won, especially in case of pangolins. The region continues to be a critical hotspot for illegal wildlife activity, underscoring the need for relentless and sustained efforts to dismantle trafficking networks and safeguard these irreplaceable species. These rescues stand as a resounding call for heightened vigilance, strengthened enforcement, and unified action to strengthen the fight against illegal wildlife trade.

India is home to two pangolin species: the critically endangered Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) and the Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata). Both species are afforded the highest level of protection under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and are listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Hunting, consumption, or trade of these species is a serious offense, punishable by imprisonment for three to seven years, a minimum fine of ₹25,000, or both. To safeguard pangolins, which are the most trafficked wild mammals in India, we urge citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report any instances of captivity, hunting, or illegal trade. In the last three year, WTI, under its Pan-India Enforcement Assistance Project has assisted in the seizure of 7 live pangolins and 173 kg of pangolin scales, from across the country.