Report on Bajrakapta (Indian Pangolin)

The Indian Pangolin is a species of pangolin found in the Indian subcontinent, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. It has a unique and distinct appearance. It has a scaly, armor- like body covered in overlapping scales made of keratin. These scales act as a defense mechanism against predators. They have a long, sticky tongue, which they use to capture their prey of ants and termites. The pangolin's body is cylindrical, and it has small, clawed feet for digging. It is listed as an endangered species. Its population has been declining rapidly due to various factors such as habitat loss, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade. The scales of the pangolin are highly valued in traditional medicine, and its meat is considered a delicacy in some cultures, leading to illegal hunting and trafficking.

Indian Pangolins are unfortunately subjected to various illegal activities due to the high demand for
their scales and meat. Here are some illegal activities associated with Indian Pangolins:

• Poaching: Poaching is a major threat to Indian Pangolins. Pangolins are illegally hunted for their scales, which are highly sought after in traditional medicine markets in some Asian countries. The scales are believed to possess medicinal properties, although there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.
• Trafficking: Indian Pangolins are victims of illegal wildlife trafficking. Pangolins are smuggled across borders to meet the demand for their scales and meat. They are often transported in cruel and inhumane conditions, leading to a high mortality rate during transit.
• Consumption: Pangolin meat is considered a delicacy in certain regions, leading to the hunting and consumption of Indian Pangolins. This practice is illegal in many countries, including India, but it continues to occur due to cultural beliefs and demand.
• Traditional Medicine Trade: The scales of Indian Pangolins are highly valued in traditional medicine practices, especially in some Asian countries. Despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting their medicinal properties, the demand for pangolin scales remains high in traditional medicine markets.
• Habitat Destruction: Although not directly related to illegal activities, habitat destruction is a significant threat to Indian Pangolins. Deforestation and land conversion for agriculture and development projects reduce their natural habitats, pushing them into more vulnerable situations and increasing their exposure to poaching and trafficking.

Issues related to the illegal activities on Indian Pangolin:

• The protected status of Asian pangolins in most of their range States, including India, indicates that current trade violates both national regulations, e.g., the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and contravenes CITES where trade is international in nature. Reported seizures involving pangolins occurred in multiple States in India during the six-year period. They comprised more than 5913 kg of scales and two whole pangolins. Seizures took place in 10 States, with the majority taking place in Manipur (25), followed by Assam (5), Mizoram (5), West Bengal (3), Karnataka (3), Tamil Nadu (2), Uttarakhand (2), Uttar Pradesh (2), Chhattisgarh (1) and Odisha (1).
• Pangolin scales are delivered to middlemen from Kolkata, Chennai and from border towns such as Siliguri in west Bengal, Moreh in Chandel district, Manipur, Shillong in Meghalaya and Aizwal in Mizoram.
• As confessed by apprehended smugglers during interrogation in some of the reported seizures, the confiscated body parts appear to have originated from Haryana, Odisha, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and south Indian States including Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
• Pangolin scales were also seized with Tiger Panthera tigris bone, deer antlers, the drug pseudoephedrine, and arms and ammunition, indicating that trade in pangolins has strong links with trade in other wildlife and drugs and arms. Those apprehended included both men and women, and the number of suspects arrested in each case varied from one to 11 or more, which suggests an organized criminal aspect to this trade.
• Mahawar and Jaroli (2008) reported 109 animal species with 270 uses in traditional medicine in different parts of India, including pangolins. The meat, bile, scales and claws of pangolins are reportedly used by tribal communities including the Paaudi Bhuanya tribe of Odisha, Biate tribe of Assam, Katkaris folk of Maharashtra, Gond tribe of Madhya Pradesh, Mizo ethnic group of Mizoram, and the Nyishi and Galo tribes of Arunachal Pradesh.

The Indian government has enacted several laws to protect the Indian Pangolin and address the illegal trade associated with it. Here are the key laws used to protect Indian Pangolins in India:

1. Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: The Wildlife (Protection) Act is the primary legislation in India for the conservation and protection of wildlife. Indian Pangolins are listed under Schedule I of this act, providing them with the highest level of legal protection. Killing, capturing, or possessing Indian Pangolins, as well as their trade or parts, is strictly prohibited under this law. Poaching, trading or any other form of their exploitation would attract a prison term of three to seven years and a fine of not less than INR 10,000.
2. Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960: This act focuses on preventing cruelty to animals and ensuring their welfare. It can be invoked to take legal action against those involved in the illegal trade of Indian Pangolins, as well as in cases of mistreatment or cruelty towards them.
3. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): India is a signatory to CITES, an international treaty that regulates the trade of endangered species, including Indian Pangolins. The export and import of Indian Pangolins, their parts, and derivatives are strictly controlled under CITES regulations. Their trade is prohibited under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which lists the two pangolin species in Appendix II.
4. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB): The WCCB is a specialized wildlife law enforcement agency in India. It works in close coordination with other law enforcement agencies to combat wildlife crimes, including those related to Indian Pangolins. The WCCB conducts investigations, coordinates intelligence sharing, and assists in the prosecution of offenders.
5. Customs Act, 1962: The Customs Act empowers customs officials to enforce regulations related to the import and export of goods, including wildlife and wildlife products. Indian customs authorities work to prevent the illegal trafficking of Indian Pangolins and their derivatives across borders.

These laws collectively aim to deter and penalize individuals involved in poaching, trafficking, and the illegal trade of Indian Pangolins. They provide the legal framework for the protection of the species and help in the conservation efforts for their survival in the wild.

It's important to note that the effective enforcement of these laws, along with public awareness and community participation, is crucial for the successful conservation of Indian Pangolins.