𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭-𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐬

…𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒉 𝒂𝒕 𝑹𝒐𝒚𝒂𝒍 𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒔 𝑵𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒂𝒊𝒎𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒅𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕

By Kezang Choden

In a significant move for wildlife conservation, Bhutan has initiated its first-ever study on pangolin ecology. The landmark project kicked off with a pioneering training session at Royal Manas National Park, aimed at addressing knowledge gaps about these elusive and trafficked species. The session, led by the Nature Conservation Division and the Department of Forests and Park Services, focused on two pangolin species found in Bhutan—the Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) and the Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata).

Experts provided valuable insights into pangolin behavior, habitat needs, and the growing threats these species face due to habitat destruction and illegal trade. This pilot study, funded by the Pangolin Crisis Fund through the Bhutan Foundation, aims to improve understanding of pangolin distribution, habitat use, and population status. By combining scientific tools with local knowledge, the initiative is designed to develop effective conservation strategies to protect these endangered mammals.

“We are combining modern scientific tools with the knowledge of local communities to enhance our understanding of the species and create conservation plans that are both scientifically informed and community-driven,” said a spokesperson from the Department of Forests and Park Services.

The Department of Royal Manas National Park also conducted training on camera trapping and social survey techniques to enhance the skills of field staff in monitoring pangolins. The department expressed hope that Bhutan’s success with camera trapping could serve as a model for global pangolin research. “The current success of camera trapping in Bhutan could become a global model for studying pangolins, a species that is rarely studied through this method,” the official said.

Pangolins are primarily distributed across Bhutan’s southern plains and foothills. When threatened, the mammals curl into a tight ball, using their tough, overlapping scales to protect themselves. Pangolin mothers are known for their parental care, carrying their young on their backs as they forage. However, there are significant research gaps in understanding their behavior, diet, and reproductive patterns.

“Comprehensive studies on their behavior, diet, and reproduction are lacking, which limits our understanding of their ecological needs,” the department official added.

Illegal wildlife trade remains the most significant threat to pangolins. Their scales are highly sought after in traditional medicine, while their meat is considered a delicacy. “Illegal hunting continues to drive declines in their population, with scales and meat being the primary targets,” the official explained. Pangolins also follow a polygynous mating system, with males competing for females. Mating typically occurs once a year, with a gestation period of three to five months, resulting in the birth of a single offspring.

There are eight known species of pangolins worldwide, each with varying conservation statuses. Among these, the Chinese pangolin, classified as critically endangered, and the Indian pangolin, listed as endangered, are found in Bhutan. Other species, such as the Giant pangolin (Smutsia gigantea) and the Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica), face similar threats from poaching and habitat loss.

The Chinese and Indian pangolins in Bhutan play a crucial role in controlling insect populations, particularly ants and termites. Their burrowing behavior also contributes to soil health by enhancing water infiltration, aeration, and nutrient cycling, which supports plant growth. “Pangolins are essential for regulating insect populations and improving soil quality,” said the department official.

The threat of climate change is also emerging as a significant challenge for pangolin survival. Experts note that rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events are altering pangolin habitats and disrupting insect populations. This makes it increasingly difficult for pangolins to find food and shelter. “Shifting climate patterns are changing the availability of sustainable habitats, threatening the species’ survival,” the department official said.

Community involvement is central to Bhutan’s pangolin conservation efforts. Nearly 50% of the ongoing conservation project focuses on engaging local communities, raising awareness, and conducting surveys to understand local perceptions of the species. “Community engagement is vital for conservation, as local people can play a key role in monitoring and protecting these animals,” the official explained.

Promoting eco-tourism and strengthening law enforcement to combat illegal poaching are also key strategies. “We are working to create alternative livelihoods through eco-tourism while ensuring stricter enforcement against illegal trafficking,” the department official emphasized.

Through these combined efforts, Bhutan hopes to secure a future for its pangolin species and foster a sustainable coexistence between people and wildlife.