In the hills of Northeast India, a remarkable change is happening. This movement started with concern for the pangolin, often called the “world’s most trafficked mammal.” Sadly, these unique creatures are vanishing fast due to illegal hunting and trade. In just a few years, over 1,200 pangolins were found in illegal markets across India, especially in Manipur, where their scales and meat fetch high prices for traditional medicines and delicacies.
The Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) has stepped in with a groundbreaking approach. Instead of just cracking down on poachers, they are focusing on empowering local communities. This strategy has transformed villagers into protectors of the pangolin.
In 2023, WTI launched the Countering Pangolin Trafficking Project with support from the Pangolin Crisis Fund and the Manipur Forest Department. This new approach is showing real results. So far, it has led to:
- 67 arrests of traffickers
- 11 pangolins rescued
- 182.61 kg of pangolin scales seized
- 25 enforcement operations across India
Both the Indian pangolin and the Chinese pangolin are protected under India’s strongest wildlife laws. Yet, the demand and porous borders continue to pose a challenge.
One of the standout initiatives is the Pangolin Cup 2025. This football tournament, organized with the Senapati District Olympic Association and the Manipur Forest Department, is more than just a game. It’s a cultural movement. By connecting sports with wildlife protection, WTI has sparked conversations about conservation throughout the community. Football jerseys featuring pangolins have turned players into advocates.
WTI also took to the digital landscape, monitoring online activity to identify illegal trade. They focused on keywords that led to hidden networks of traffickers. This digital investigation has resulted in eight major operations, disrupting illegal trades in states like Assam, Telangana, and West Bengal.
The local impact has been inspiring. A total of 252 Tangkhul Naga villages in Manipur have declared a complete ban on hunting, consuming, or trading pangolins. Four neighboring villages in Nagaland have joined this cause. In a remarkable feat, six Chinese pangolins were rescued and released back into their natural habitats.
This community-led movement is changing longstanding hunting traditions. People from the mountains to the football fields are learning that pangolins belong in the wild, and they are committed to protecting them.
This approach to conservation—where local voices drive change—offers a glimmer of hope for India’s vulnerable pangolins. With many villages rallying together, there is a renewed chance for these unique mammals to thrive once again.
For more on community-led conservation efforts, see the Wildlife Trust of India.
