Conservation Status and Habitat Use of Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) in Punjab, Pakistan: A Critical Review of Emerging Threats and Future Prospects

Evolutionarily distant and ecologically significant Indian pangolin Manis crassicaudata is at a critically endangered stage.The Indian pangolin contributes to ecological balance by controlling the insect population.The IUCN classified it as one of the trafficked mammals in the world.The findings of recent peer reviewed articles describe the current status, ecological needs, population status and threats to the species.All these findings are documented in areas of Pakistan such as Bhakkar, Gujrat, Chakwal, and Margalla Hills.Habitat suitability models indicate that the pangolin prefers a semi-arid thorn forest and agricultural borders where the soil contains large populations of ants and termites.High market demand for pangolin scales, illegal poaching, unsustainable hunting, and the non-beneficial cultural myths may cause the pangolin to become extinct in future.Field research, however, documents not only appalling distribution densities (de-routine 0.29/km 2 ) but also balkanized inhabitancy.The article laments the worrying cracks in ecological records and the implementation of conservation measures.The review also presents a counter to this trend, which includes: the establishment of anti-poaching conservation zones, community-based wildlife surveillance, and enhancement of anti-poaching and awareness-raising campaigns.