7 August, Banepa:
Smuggling of scales and the hide of pangolin, an endangered wildlife species, has increased in the rural outback of Kavrepalanchok in recent days.
Prativa Kaspal of Nepal Rural Development and Environment Protection Council, who is studying this endangered animal, said that scales and the hide of the mammal have been found at the houses of local people in some areas including Jyamadi VDC in course of research.
She said that smugglers are found using poor rural farmers in carrying out their illegal trade.
According to her, most of community forests provide a safe habitat for the scaly anteater in the district. She said the smuggling is found taking place in other VDCs too and stressed on the need to protect the mammal which is important for agriculture and bio-diversity.
Accusing community forests of helping in the smuggling in collusion with the District Forest Office, she was of the view that members of the community forest users’ group should themselves become active in curbing its smuggling.
Saying that the animal is at the risk of extinction over past 15 years due to habitat loss, deforestation and wild-fire incidents, she said that some community forests should be declared as pangolin conservation centre.
Kaspal said that conservation of the animal helps increase identity of community forests, intensify a study on the animal and create job opportunities and maintain the ecosystem.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Raj Kumar KC of the District Police Office, said that sale of scales and meat of the animal is illegal and that its smuggling to China rise during the new year of the country in particular and its demand soar during that period.
He informed that two pangolins were rescued from the district in 2072 BS.
One kilogramme scales of the animal fetches Rs 100 in Nepal while the same amount costs thousands of rupees in the international market, it is said. The animal’s scales are said to be smuggled to Cambodia, Vietnam and Congo in particular.
As per the law, person convicted of smuggling pangolin parts faces a jail term of five to 10 years or a fine between Rs 40,000 to Rs 70,000 or both. RSS
