Keri: A Indian pangolin , locally known as Sheryo or Khavale Manjar, that had taken refuge inside a garment shop in Marcel was on Tuesday rescued by the Animal Rescue Squad, Bicholim.

On receiving a call from Ajay Sawant, Amrutsingh and Tanmay Naik of ARSrushed to the spot and rescued the pangolin that had taken shelter inside the garment shop of Mukesh Borana at Geetanjali complex, Marcel.

Pangolin is categorized among the Schedule I animals under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. In Goa, the animal faces a constant threat due to increasing poaching for their meat and their supposed 'magical' or medicinal properties. The scales of a pangolin are used as an aphrodisiac, or made into rings or charms. Their skin is used to manufacture lesather goods, including boots and shoes.

A pangolin can only live in an area that is inhabitated by termites, which are its primary food source. Speaking to TOI, Amrutsingh said, "The animal might have been chased by stray dogs, so it took shelter in the garment shop. The habitat of wild animals such as pangolin has been threatened."

Madhu Gaonkar of Mandovi Paryavarn Premi Pathak, Khandola, said, "Concrete jungles are on rise in Marcel. Deforestation of the last remnants of tree cover too is increasing and this has posed danger to the wild animals