Illegal trade in pangolins in Nepal: Extent and network

Bashyal, Ashish; Shrestha, Nischal; Dhakal, A; Khanal, Sanjay Nath; Shrestha, Sandeep

doi:10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01940

Cited by 12 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…Moreover, we lack information about populations at both the global and national levels (Challender et al, 2019). Numerous studies have been conducted nationally, focusing on the illegal trade of pangolins (Bashyal et al, 2021; Ghimire et al, 2020; Katuwal et al, 2015; Sharma, Sharma, Katuwal, et al, 2020). Only a few studies are available that focus on the distribution and habitat preference of this critically endangered species (Acharya et al, 2021; Aryal & Poudel, 2018; Katuwal et al, 2017; Rai et al, 2019; Sharma, Sharma, Chaulagain, et al, 2020; Shrestha et al, 2021).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Factors affecting the occupancy of Chinese pangolins (Manis pentadactyla) suggest a highly specialized ecological niche

et al. 2023

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The Chinese pangolin is a critically endangered and biologically unique species, yet information on its status, distribution, and habitat preferences is still scarce in Nepal, which limits effective conservation action. This study identified the current burrow density status, distribution pattern, and important habitat parameters associated with Chinese pangolin distribution in Nepal through opportunistic field surveys. Fifty‐four belt transects were examined for the presence of pangolin burrows. For each active burrow (burrow with freshly dug soil, footprints, and scat near the entrance) and old burrow (burrow with compacted soil, presence of dead leaves, and spider web in the entrance), we recorded the geographic coordinates and assessed data on 11 habitat parameters that included elevation, aspect, slope, canopy cover, ground cover, presence or absence of ant and termite colonies, habitat type, soil type, and distances to the nearest water source, road, and settlement. A total of 141 active burrows and 430 old burrows were recorded with an overall clumped distribution {}()S2/a=2.188$$ \left\{\left({S}^2/a\right)=2.188\right\} $$. Active burrow density was estimated to be 1.04 burrows/ha. Of the 11 habitat parameters predicted to influence the probability of encountering pangolin burrows, all parameters were significant except elevation. More than 92% of the burrows were found at elevations between 450 and 750 m and facing either the SE or NW aspect. Similarly, about 90% of the burrows were distributed in areas having slopes between 0% and 30% with moderate to high canopy and ground cover, and located close to water sources, roads, and settlements. Additionally, they strongly preferred forest habitats (with Shorea robusta, Castanopsis indica, Schima wallichii, Clerodendron infortunatum, and Nephrolepis auriculata as the dominant vegetation), areas with red soil, and areas located near ant and termite colonies. Although the study area currently provides suitable habitat for Chinese pangolins, it is slowly being degraded due to increasing rates of forest degradation. Conservation efforts should be increased in order to protect this critically endangered species and their preferred habitats. Finally, our findings reveal the preferred habitat characteristics of Chinese pangolins, which could be instrumental for policy makers and forest managers in making conservation plans for Chinese pangolins.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Factors affecting the occupancy of Chinese pangolins (Manis pentadactyla) suggest a highly specialized ecological niche

et al. 2023

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“…In Nepal, this species is listed as endangered in the National Red List of Mammals (Jnawali et al, 2011) and strictly protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (NPWC) Act 1973 (Government of Nepal, 1973). Despite its protection status, illegal trade in pangolins is reported to have increased in Nepal because of the growing demand for body parts in international markets (Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, 2018; Ghimire et al, 2020;Bashyal et al, 2021). It is found in 25 districts of Nepal, the majority of which are outside protected areas, including Gorkha District in central Nepal (Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, 2018;Sharma et al, 2020b).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The scarcity of information on the ecology and distribution of the Chinese pangolin impedes evidence-based conservation of this species in Nepal (Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, 2018; Khatiwada et al, 2020). There have been many attempts in a range of countries to quantify the illegal hunting and trade in the Chinese pangolin (Katuwal et al, 2015;Nijman et al, 2016;Zhang et al, 2017;Ullmann et al, 2019;Sharma et al, 2020a;Bashyal et al, 2021). However, there are only a few robust studies that focus on its 10.3389/fevo.2023.1081385 habitat preferences and distribution at national and regional levels (Wu et al, 2003;Bhandari and Chalise, 2014;Dorji et al, 2020;Acharya et al, 2021;Shrestha et al, 2021).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Habitat preference and distribution of Chinese pangolin and people’s attitude to its conservation in Gorkha District, Nepal

et al. 2023

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The Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) has experienced a rapid population decline throughout its distribution. In Nepal, it mostly occurs outside protected areas; therefore, habitat degradation due to anthropogenic activities is one of the major threats to its survival. However, the scarcity of information on the ecology and distribution of pangolins impedes evidence-based conservation of this species in Nepal. Its habitat preferences and distribution and the factors influencing people’s attitude to its conservation were studied in Gorkha District in central Nepal. Thirteen transects, each 0.5 km in length, were used for recording burrows indicating the presence of pangolin. In total, 124 burrows were recorded, of which 38 were new and 86 were old, which indicated a clumped distribution. Based on the highest percentage frequency of occurrence, most burrows occurred between 650 and 800 m a.s.l., in areas with a south-facing aspect, with moderate canopy cover, in forest, red soil and gentle terrain. The logistic regression model revealed that habitat type, soil type, crown cover, terrain, and distance to water were the most important factors affecting pangolin presence. In total, 87 households and 9 key informants were interviewed using questionnaires to determine the people’s knowledge of pangolins and attitude to their conservation. More than 50% of the respondents had seen pangolin in the areas studied and had a general knowledge of their habitat and benefits. However, most of them were unaware that it was illegal to hunt pangolins and were involved in opportunistic hunting for meat consumption. Pangolins were mostly recorded in forest at altitudes 650–800 m a.s.l., with moderate canopy cover, red soil, and close to a source of water; habitat, soil, canopy cover, terrain, and distance to water were statistically significantly associated with the presence of pangolin burrows. This study revealed that an increase in public awareness (mainly through education) would help to increase the likelihood of pangolin survival. These results can also serve as guidelines for protecting pangolin habitats for use by local authorities.

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“…Suwal et al (2023) analysed nationwide information on seizures of pangolins (the Chinese pangolin Manis pentadactyla and Indian pangolin Manis crassicaudata ) during 2010–2020 to investigate the patterns and extent of hunting and illegal trade of these two threatened species in Nepal. Given that pangolins are one of the most heavily trafficked mammals and the role of Nepal as both source and transit location for wildlife trade (Paudel et al, 2020; Bashyal et al, 2021), it is helpful to have updated information on the extent of illegal trade of pangolins in the country.…”

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confidence: 99%

“…There have been a number of recent studies on the illegal pangolin trade in Nepal (see Bashyal et al, 2021, for references) but most of these were either not nationwide in scope and/or did not provide information on the people involved in this trade. In addition to Suwal et al (2023), Paudel et al (2020) and Bashyal et al (2021)—the latter not cited by Suwal et al (2023)—examined nationwide patterns of illegal pangolin trade in Nepal by considering source and destination information, the former for 2010–2015 and the latter for 2015–2020.…”

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confidence: 99%

Illegal pangolin trade in Nepal: a response to Suwal et al.

Bashyal

2023

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Illegal trade in pangolins in Nepal: Extent and network

Cited by 12 publications

References 21 publications

Factors affecting the occupancy of Chinese pangolins (Manis pentadactyla) suggest a highly specialized ecological niche

Factors affecting the occupancy of Chinese pangolins (Manis pentadactyla) suggest a highly specialized ecological niche

Habitat preference and distribution of Chinese pangolin and people’s attitude to its conservation in Gorkha District, Nepal

Illegal pangolin trade in Nepal: a response to Suwal et al.

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