Field staff of the Balimela Range successfully rescued an Indian Pangolin from an open patch of land along the forest fringe at Chitapari III village under the Balimela section.
The nocturnal and highly secretive animal was spotted out in the open during daytime routine foot patrolling by forest personnel. Recognising the vulnerability of the creature, the team immediately alerted senior officials and executed a careful rescue operation, ensuring the pangolin remained entirely stress-free and uninjured.
Following a mandatory health check-up, the scaly anteater was safely released back into its deep natural habitat, far away from human habitation, where it can safely forage and thrive.
Wildlife experts have lauded the prompt response, noting the high ecological stakes. The Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata), widely known as the scaly anteater, holds special conservation status as a protected species listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Globally, the species is classified as Endangered by the IUCN. It faces severe survival threats primarily driven by illegal poaching for its scales and meat, alongside rapid habitat fragmentation and loss. Conservationists hope this successful rescue highlights the vital role of grassroots forest patrolling in protecting India’s most vulnerable wildlife.
