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Home :: Projects :: Pangolin Odisha
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Pangolin Conservation Project in Odisha
The State of Odisha in eastern India
is believed to be one of the last strongholds of the pangolin in the
Indian subcontinent. Despite being known as the most trafficked mammal
in the world, there is still very little information on the pangolin
and its trade in India. But one thing is clear and
that is that the growing demand for pangolins and their products,
particularly body scales, for use in traditional Chinese medicine is
fueling hunting of the species in India. In the last three years,
almost 50 cases of seizures involving pangolin scales and poaching have
been registered across the country, including many seizures on India’s
international borders.
The primary aim of the project is to curb
pangolin poaching and trade in four key districts of Odisha - Ganjam,
Nayagarh, Boudh and Mayurbhanj. These districts cover an area of about
25,418 sq km, with Mayurbhanj district accounting for 10,418 sq km. We
have selected this region as we have knowledge of the presence of
nomadic and local tribes in the landscape that we believe are now
targeting what was one of the last healthy pangolin populations.
We
engage local communities by encouraging them to share information on
illegal activities in their areas, and to motivate local forest
protection groups (Van Suraksha Samitis) to help curb pangolin
poaching. We also hold village meetings throughout the four districts,
where small printed cards being distributed. Each card has a
conservation message, a 24x7 number to call with any pangolin poaching
and trade information, and details of rewards for any substantiated
information that is provided. Bill boards and wall paintings have been
put up in strategic locations, giving the same information.
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