How the Indo-Burmese Pangolin Discovery Shines Light on a Global Conservation Crisis
Pangolins, with their armored scales and endearing, almost comical posture, have long been shrouded in mystery. While their unique biology has fascinated scientists, it is their unfortunate distinction as the world’s most trafficked mammal that has brought them global attention. Over the last decade, more than a million pangolins have been illegally hunted and traded for their meat, skin, and scales—pushing all eight known species toward endangerment. But amid this bleak outlook, an astonishing discovery has emerged: a previously unknown species of pangolin, the Indo-Burmese pangolin (Manis indoburmanica).
Unveiled by researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), this breakthrough, made through DNA analysis of seized pangolin specimens, redefines what we know about pangolin biodiversity. More importantly, it underscores the urgent need for targeted conservation efforts. This revelation is both exciting and alarming—offering fresh hope for biodiversity while highlighting the escalating threats faced by pangolins worldwide.
The Global Pangolin Crisis: A Species Under Siege
To appreciate the significance of this discovery, it’s crucial to understand the dire state of pangolin populations worldwide. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) reports that pangolins have been hunted in staggering numbers across Africa and Asia. Their scales are falsely believed to have medicinal properties in traditional Chinese medicine, while their meat is considered a delicacy in some countries.
Though China, Vietnam, and the United States have all been linked to the illegal pangolin trade, the crisis spans continents. In response, pangolins are now protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which bans their commercial trade. Yet, despite these protections, trafficking persists at alarming rates, fueled by black-market demand.
The unveiling of the Indo-Burmese pangolin adds a new layer to this crisis. The fact that an entirely new species has remained hidden for so long raises concerns about how many more pangolins are on the brink of extinction before scientists even have the chance to study them.
A Breakthrough in Conservation Science: Discovering the Indo-Burmese Pangolin
Using advanced genetic analysis, ZSI researchers determined that the Indo-Burmese pangolin diverged from the Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) approximately 3.4 million years ago. Lead scientist Mukesh Thakur emphasized the importance of this revelation:
“This discovery is a testament to the power of modern genetic tools in uncovering hidden diversity. The Indo-Burmese pangolin not only enriches our understanding of Asian pangolins but also emphasizes the need for region-specific conservation efforts.”
This newly identified species is believed to inhabit northeast India’s Arunachal Pradesh region, extending potentially into Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar. However, its population size remains unknown, making it highly vulnerable to poaching and habitat destruction.
Lenrik Konchok Wangmo, a researcher from the University of Calcutta and co-author of the study, further emphasized:
“This species adds a new dimension to pangolin conservation, highlighting the importance of protecting their habitats from threats like poaching and habitat degradation.”
The Indo-Burmese pangolin’s late discovery underscores just how little we know about the world’s remaining pangolin populations—and how much urgent research and protection are needed.
The Role of Pangolins in Ecosystem Health
Beyond their conservation importance, pangolins are ecological keystones. Their diet consists almost entirely of termites and ants, controlling insect populations that could otherwise damage crops and forests. The Nature Conservancy has even dubbed them the “guardians of the forest,” given their critical role in maintaining ecological balance.
Their disappearance could have severe consequences, affecting biodiversity and even leading to increased pest populations that could devastate local ecosystems. This means saving pangolins isn’t just about protecting a single species—it’s about preserving the delicate balance of entire ecosystems.
Threats to Pangolin Survival: Why This Discovery Is a Call to Action
While the Indo-Burmese pangolin’s recognition is a scientific triumph, its survival remains in jeopardy. Like other pangolin species, it faces three primary threats:
1. Poaching and Illegal Trade
Despite international bans, pangolins remain a lucrative target for traffickers. Their scales are ground into traditional medicines, falsely believed to cure ailments ranging from arthritis to cancer—claims with zero scientific basis.
In some regions, pangolin meat is considered a luxury dish, driving up demand and incentivizing poachers to capture them by the thousands. Without stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws, the Indo-Burmese pangolin may not survive long after its discovery.
2. Habitat Destruction and Industrialization
Northeast India and surrounding regions are undergoing rapid deforestation due to urban expansion, agriculture, and infrastructure projects. As pangolins lose their habitats, they are forced to forage in open areas, making them easier targets for predators and human hunters alike.
3. Climate Change and Ecological Disruptions
Rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns impact pangolin food sources—primarily termites and ants. Climate change may also push pangolins out of their natural habitats, leading to increased human-wildlife conflict and further population decline.
“Pangolins are very important in the whole ecosystem that we have… If you lose pangolins you upset all sorts of things but the sheer humanity of not looking after such a beautiful gentle animal as a pangolin breaks my heart.”
—Sir David Attenborough
How Can We Protect Pangolins? Conservation Strategies for the Future
The discovery of the Indo-Burmese pangolin is a wake-up call for conservationists, governments, and wildlife protection agencies. To prevent this newly discovered species from disappearing before we can study it, urgent action is needed.
1. Strengthening Wildlife Protection Laws
While CITES bans international trade, enforcement at local levels remains weak. Governments in India, Bhutan, Nepal, and Myanmar must implement stricter anti-poaching laws, increase penalties, and shut down illegal trade routes.
2. Expanding Conservation Research and Habitat Protection
Scientists must conduct field studies to determine the Indo-Burmese pangolin’s population size, behavior, and habitat needs. Establishing protected reserves in northeast India and surrounding regions could be key to safeguarding the species.
3. Increasing Public Awareness and Advocacy
Misinformation drives the illegal pangolin trade. Public education campaigns can help debunk myths about pangolin scales, shift cultural attitudes, and reduce demand for pangolin products.
4. Corporate and International Collaboration
Conservation is not just a national issue—global partnerships are necessary. Organizations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and TRAFFIC must collaborate with local conservationists to fund anti-trafficking efforts, habitat restoration, and pangolin rescue programs.
A Future for the Indo-Burmese Pangolin?
The discovery of the Indo-Burmese pangolin is both a moment of scientific excitement and a sobering reality check. It proves that nature still holds secrets, but also that species can disappear before we even know they exist.
As Dhriti Banerjee, director of the ZSI, put it:
“This remarkable finding demonstrates the critical role of scientific research in uncovering biodiversity and informing conservation action. Protecting the Indo-Burmese pangolin is essential to safeguarding the ecological integrity of the Indo-Burma region.”
If immediate action isn’t taken, this newly discovered species may become just another tragic entry on the long list of creatures lost to human exploitation. But if conservation efforts intensify now, the Indo-Burmese pangolin might just have a fighting chance.
Header image By Gregg Yan (CC BY-SA 4.0)