Socio-ecological challenges to Indian Pangolin in Pakistan: A review

Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) also called as thick-tailed pangolin and scaly anteater, native to the Indian subcontinent is an endangered mammalian species (Manidae; Mammalia). The pangolin inhabits areas with prey i.e. a termite (Odontotermes obesus) and two black ants (Camponotus confucii and Camponotus compressus). We reviewed the published research work carried on Indian pangolin to identify the reasons for the decline in its population in Pakistan. We identified that only a few studies have been conducted on the biology, diversity, ecology, and potential threats to M. crassicaudata in Pakistan. However, some data is available on websites of organizations working on the conservation of animals, personal communications, newspaper articles and reports. Its populations have been reported from forests, grasslands, sub-mountainous landscapes, and degraded habitats. Pangolins are under serious threat in Pakistan due to their massive killing for illegal wildlife trade, medicinal and cultural values. Pangolin population is facing declining trend in its population in Northern Punjab and Azad Kashmir (personal communications) due to habitat degradation and deforestation and hunting for fun. Conservation of Indian pangolin needs social awareness through electronic and print media. It is suggested that the curriculum of science at primary and secondary levels should contain introduction of Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN) and Vulnerable (VU) species like Indian Pangolin (Endangered). We suggest to explore the population dynamics of Indian Pangolin in relation to distribution patterns, feeding preferences, prey availability, habitat suitability and threats.


Introduction
Indian Pangolin (Mammalia; Pholidota) also called as scaly ant eater having a unique rigid keratinized protective 11-13 rows on body of blonde-striated scales [1]. Asia and Africa inhabit eight extant species of pangolins [2]. In Pakistan, Pangolin is known as "Salla" [3]. It has significance in the natural biological control of termites and ants. Their burrows provide breeding habitat and shelter for other species [4]. In the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, it is included in "Endangered Species" mainly due to hunting and increased poaching [5]. About 50 % decline in the population of pangolin has been estimated in its range in the next 21 years [6]. As an important wild mammal, it has great importance in the biodiversity of Pakistan, especially since it has been declared as an endangered species.

Conservation status
Currently, M. crassicaudata is an endangered species in its distribution range viz. Bangladesh, India Pakistan, Nepal and Sri  23,25]. However, its occurrence may have not been reported or explored from many potential areas including Bahawalpur division. It has been documented from different parts of country, however, many potential areas with similar habitat characters and availability of prey abundance (ants and termites) need to be explored.

Threats to Indian Pangolin
The literature indicated scanty work on the diversity, population dynamics, distribution and potential threats to the Indian Pangolin in Pakistan. We have explored, in this review, population dynamics and distribution and potential threats in socio-ecological context from the published literature in articles, book chapters, newspaper stories and personal communications. We have identified from published literature that decline in the population of Indian pangolin has been attributed to the socio-economic issues rather than socio-ecological. However, the impact of ecological changes in its areas from where it has been reported cannot be overlooked. We did not find any published evidence highlighting the impact of habitat modification, agricultural practices (use of pesticides to manage termites and ants) and climate change on the biology and ecology of Pangolin. Perusal literature showed more focus has been given on illegal hunting and trafficking of its parts. Some important issues have been provided below. Scales has been found one of the main reasons for the killing of pangolins Pakistan.

Used as food and in medicines
The pangolin flesh and fat has been used in medicines [40]. Traditionally, it is found that scaly anteater has crucial value in Chinese medical & food industry. Due to their excessive use, they became extinct in China since 1990 so that China has to export them from Asian countries under illegal trade [30]. A study has reported that Pangolin parts are using in medicines in South Korea, East Asia. Chinese and other traditional medicines also use the scales of the species to make traditional medicines known as "muti" [41].

Coincidental killing
Though coincidental killing has been on the record and also been communicated. Coincidental killing of the species by farmers and local hunters has not been identified as major cause for the declining trend in the population of Indian pangolin. It has been reported that coincidental killing is less likely to cause a serious decline in the abundance [8].

Conclusion
Indian pangolin remains as one of the least studied and highest trafficked mammal from Pakistan. During the 1 st two decades of the 21 st century, the declining trend in its population has been attributed to increased habitat loss, hunting due to its demand for its meat, scales, and derived products in addition to socio-cultural beliefs. The dearth of scientific research on M. crassicaudata is the major concern in conservation planning of the species in Pakistan. This review identifies three research areas to be prioritized in order to generate the essential information to assess the needs for in-situ conservation planning of M. crassicaudata i.e. (1) Ecology, behavior and population abundance of species; (2) Assessment of hunting, poaching, and trafficking levels of the species; and (3) evaluation of threats due to habitat modification and degradation. Changes in the community perceptions and beliefs about Indian pangolin and public awareness is mandatory for its conservation.