Female Indian pangolin rescued from wire mesh in Maharashtra's Karad

Female Indian Pangolin. RANJEET JADHAV

In village Mundhe, of Maharashtra's Karad, a female Indian pangolin was found trapped in a wire mesh installed for poultry protection near the residence of Advocate Hanmant Rao Jamale. The incident came to light early in the morning.

Upon receiving the information, Honorary Wildlife Warden Rohan Bhate immediately informed senior forest officials and, along with Rapid Rescue Team (RRT) member Ajay Mahadik, rushed to the spot to conduct the rescue operation. The pangolin was found entangled in the mesh and appeared to have struggled through the night to free itself, as indicated by marks on the ground.

After reaching the location, the rescue team carefully cut the mesh and successfully freed the pangolin. The animal, identified as a female Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata), was estimated to be around two years old and weighed approximately 9.13 kg. The pangolin was in good health and was examined by a veterinary officer before being safely released back into its natural forest habitat.

The rescue operation was carried out under the guidance of Deputy Conservator of Forests Amol Satpute, Field Director ( Sahyadri Tiger Reserve) Tushar Chavan, and Forest Officers Lalita Patil and Rishikesh Patil. The operation team included Honorary Wildlife Warden Rohan Bhate, Foresters Anand Jagtap, Vijay Date, Sachin Khandagale, Ajay Mahadik, Rohit Kulkarni, Ganesh Kale, Dnyandev Parit, Sudhir Kumbhar, driver Yogesh Bedekar, and Vilas.

About the Indian Pangolin

The Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) is a harmless, nocturnal mammal named for its distinctive protective scales. It primarily feeds on ants and termites, which it captures using its long, sticky tongue. Using its strong forelimbs and claws, the pangolin digs into anthills and termite mounds to feed. Little is known about its breeding habits, though the gestation period lasts around 65-70 days, after which typically one offspring is born.

Conservation status

The Indian Pangolin faces severe threats from illegal hunting and trafficking for its meat and scales. It is listed under Schedule I, Part I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and Appendix I of CITES, granting it the highest level of protection. Hunting, injuring, or possessing a pangolin is a punishable offence, carrying imprisonment of up to seven years and a fine of Rs 25,000.

"If a pangolin is sighted in or near human settlements or farmlands, citizens are urged to immediately contact the nearest forest department office," said Rohan Bhate Shah.