BELAGAVI: The illegal trade of pangolin meat and scales, which is a critically endangered species, is operated by organised gangs by taking local residents of jungles into confidence. The recent seizure of around 10 kg of pangolin scales in Belagavi has only confirmed the thriving business of pangolin smuggling.
Foresters are now admitting that pangolin poaching is rampant. Organised gangs are operating with help of local people, especially in Joida, Haliyal, Sirsi, Yellapur and other parts in Uttara Kannada district apart from Chikkamagaluru and Belagavi.
It may be recalled here that the Forest Department had arrested two people (one from Tamil Nadu and another from Hemadga within Bhimgad sanctuary limits of Khanapur) with scales of pangolin. Wildlife activists have stressed the importance of coordination between the the Forest Department and the police to tackle the poachers and smugglers.
Wildlife Warden from Belagavi, SachinPatil, said the meat and scales of pangolin are in great demand. He said organised gangs are taking advantage of this and according to his sources, the gang offers `30,000-50,000 for one kg of pangolin scales. The smugglers get $3,000 per kg of pangolin scales from the buyers residing abroad, he said.
Patil said the pangolin meat is in demand in Goa and the scales are sold in China. Recently a case of pangolin trade has been reported in Haliyal forest division.
Wildlife activist Giridhar Kulkarni said they have large, protective keratin scales covering their skin. “Pangolins are nocturnal, and their diet consists of mainly ants and termites which they capture using their long, specially-adapted tongues,” he said.
Pangolins are threatened by hunting and heavy deforestation of their natural habitats. They are the most trafficked mammal in the world. There are eight species of pangolin found in the world of which Indian Pangolin (Maniscrassicaudata) is listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Pangolins are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
