The Disappearance of a Habitat
The Indian pangolin, already devastated by the illegal wildlife trade, faces another crisis in Pakistan, one of the four countries where it is found: the rapid loss of habitat. According to a new study, the main habitats of the Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) have particularly disappeared in the northern mountainous province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
The province is the third most densely populated region in Pakistan, where development projects, such as roads, mining, and industrial sites, have fractured vital habitats. In 2021, ecologist Tariq Ahmad, from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department, and his colleagues revisited 102 sites in the province where pangolin signs had been detected in a 2000 survey. They found pangolin signs in only 67 of these sites.
Why This Matters
According to Ahmad, the lead author of the study, pangolin populations in the province have fallen by 25-40% over the last 25 years. "It was devastating to return to sites where pangolins once thrived and find them replaced by roads and buildings. We are pushing this species to the brink of collapse," Ahmad said.
Beyond physical displacement, the species remains a prime target for the illegal wildlife trade. Poachers target the pangolin for its scales, made of keratin, which are used in traditional Chinese medicine and are claimed to have special healing powers. There is no scientific evidence for these claims.
The Science Behind Habitat Loss
Habitat loss is one of the main factors contributing to the decline of pangolin populations. The expansion of urban and agricultural areas, road construction, and mining are just some of the factors leading to the destruction and fragmentation of natural habitats.
Furthermore, poaching is a serious problem, as pangolins are hunted for their scales, which are considered valuable on the black market. The lack of awareness and education about the importance of pangolin conservation is also a factor contributing to their decline.
Broader Context
Habitat loss and poaching are not problems exclusive to Pakistan. Worldwide, species are facing similar challenges due to human expansion and the illegal wildlife trade.
However, the situation of the Indian pangolin is particularly critical, as it is one of the most endangered species in the world. Habitat loss and poaching are just some of the factors contributing to its decline, and a concerted effort is needed to protect this species.
What Comes Next
It is essential that immediate measures are taken to protect the natural habitats of pangolins and combat the illegal wildlife trade. This includes the creation of protected areas, education, and awareness about the importance of pangolin conservation, and the enforcement of stricter laws against poaching.
Furthermore, more research is needed on the biology and behavior of pangolins, so that we can better understand their needs and develop effective strategies for their conservation.
Source / Reference
This article was originally published on Mongabay.