Pangolin

• 19 Feb 2019

Why is it in News?

The third Saturday of February (16th February this year) is celebrated as the World Pangolin Day.

About Pangolin:

• Out of the 8 extant species of Pangolin (4 African, 4 Asian), the Indian Pangolin and Chinese Pangolin occur in India. The pangolins are shy nocturnal mammals that rely on termites and ants for their food. It is the only mammal that is fully covered in scales. They curl themselves into a complete ball when threatened.
• Indian Pangolin is listed as ‘Endangered’ as per IUCN and is listed under the Appendix II of CITES. Appendix II includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but in which trade must be controlled in order to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival.

Threats to Pangolin:

• Pangolins are most trafficked mammal on the Earth. They are in great demand due to the medicinal value of their scales and due to its meat delicacies.
• Another threat to Pangolin is due to their habitat loss.