Shillong: Meghalaya State Zoo officials released a rehabilitated Chinese Pangolin and an Asian Palm Civet into the Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary this Friday. Both animals underwent intensive medical care at the zoo before staff deemed them healthy enough for release. The Pangolin came from National Highway 6, while the Civet was found hurt in the Jaintia Hills.
Chief Conservator of Forests PK Agrahari joined Zoo Director Pavan Khade for the drop. The Chinese Pangolin carries a Critically Endangered label from the IUCN. It is a Schedule-I species under the Wild Life Protection Act. Agrahari warned that habitat loss and poaching threaten the species. He urged locals to contact the department if they find injured animals, noting that "the species faces severe threats from habitat loss and the illegal wildlife trade."
Pangolins act as ecosystem engineers by eating termites. They protect forests and crops. Asian Palm Civets help keep woods healthy by spreading seeds. Despite these benefits, poachers target them. Leader of the Opposition Mukul Sangma recently told the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly that fewer pangolins mean worse ant infestations in the Garo Hills. Officials have logged seven smuggling cases involving pangolins or their scales in the last five years.
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