Shillong: Meghalaya State Zoo released a rescued Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) and an Asian palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) into Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary in Ri-Bhoi district after rehabilitation and health assessments.“Both species play vital roles in maintaining ecological balance, with the Chinese pangolin being critically endangered as per International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) as well as highly threatened by illegal wildlife trade, and the Asian palm civet contributing to forest regeneration through seed dispersal,” an official statement said.The Chinese pangolin was rescued by staff of Nongpoh (Wildlife) Range from NH 6 at Nongpoh. The Asian palm civet was rescued from Jaintia Hills in a severely injured condition. Both were shifted to Meghalaya State Zoo for veterinary treatment, care and monitoring.“Following a period of rehabilitation, veterinary experts certified both animals fit for release. The operation was carried out jointly by Meghalaya State Zoo and Nongpoh (Wildlife) Range under Khasi Hills Wildlife Division, Shillong,” the statement said.PK Agrahari, chief conservator of forests (wildlife), Meghalaya, and chief executive officer, Meghalaya Zoo Project Implementation Society, said the Chinese pangolin is protected under Schedule-I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, providing it the “highest degree of legal protection” under the national statute.He said the species continues to face threats from illegal wildlife trade and habitat loss.“Pangolins play a vital role as ‘ecosystem engineer’ and natural pest controllers in forests and agro-ecosystems. They primarily feed on ants and termites, consuming them in vast quantities. This helps prevent termite infestations that damage forests, crops and soil structures. Their presence indicates a balanced and healthy ecosystem,” he said.“Palm civets are vital to tropical ecosystems as keystone seed dispersers and forest regenerators. By eating fruits and defecating seeds across wide ranges, they maintain plant biodiversity and help reforest degraded areas,” he added.Pangolins are the most heavily trafficked mammals in the world, accounting for up to 20% of the entire global illegal wildlife trade.
