Meghalaya officials release rehabilitated pangolin and civet back into the wild

Shillong: A Chinese pangolin and an Asian palm civet are back in the wild. Forest officials released the pair into the Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary this week. They spent months recovering at the Meghalaya State Zoo.

The Nongpoh Wildlife Range pulled the pangolin from NH-6 near Nongpoh. Meanwhile, rescuers found the palm civet suffering from severe injuries in the Jaintia Hills. Both animals required intensive veterinary care before experts cleared them for their return to the forest.

This release carries heavy weight for conservationists. The Chinese pangolin sits on the IUCN Red List as Critically Endangered. It also holds top-tier protections under the Wild Life Protection Act of 1972. Illegal wildlife trafficking and loss of habitat drive the species toward the brink.

These animals keep the woods healthy. Pangolins eat massive amounts of ants and termites, acting as natural pest control. Palm civets roam the canopy and disperse seeds that help forests regenerate. The Forest Department noted, "Both species play an important role in maintaining ecological balance."

Authorities have tracked seven smuggling cases involving pangolins or their scales across Meghalaya in the last five years. Officials now urge locals to report any distressed wildlife immediately. Quick action saves lives.