Nepal: Rare Chinese Pangolin Identified in a Sacred Forest in Sunsari District

A Scientific Breakthrough in Eastern Nepal

For the very first time, the presence of the Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla), a critically endangered species, has been formally documented in Sunsari District, located in eastern Nepal. This major discovery marks an important milestone for local biodiversity, bringing the total number of Nepalese districts where this rare mammal has been officially recorded to 28.

According to a recent scientific report, this identification puts an end to years of speculation. Until now, evidence of the Chinese pangolin’s existence in this specific region was limited to anecdotal accounts from local residents or indirect clues, such as footprints or burrows, with no visual confirmation having been established by experts.

A Unique Mammal Under Constant Threat

The Chinese pangolin is a small, solitary, nocturnal mammal native to South and Southeast Asia. Covered in protective scales, it plays a crucial ecological role, although it is now one of the most endangered animals in the world. Like its counterparts in other regions, it faces an imminent risk of extinction due to intensive poaching, loss of its natural habitat, and illegal international trafficking.

Although these animals are protected by Nepalese law, enforcing these conservation measures proves extremely complex across such vast and diverse territories. To develop effective protection strategies, the scientific community emphasizes the need to accurately map the species’ ranges across the country, hence the crucial importance of the mission being carried out in Sunsari District.

An Expedition into the Heart of the Panchakanya Forest

In January 2025, a team of researchers traveled to the Panchakanya Forest to conduct field investigations. This small urban wooded area has a notable feature: it is a community forest considered sacred by the local Hindu and Kirat populations. This spiritual dimension often provides natural protection for ecosystems in the face of increasing urbanization.

The research team meticulously surveyed the area for fresh signs of wildlife, such as recent burrows or traces of foraging. Once these signs were identified, the scientists installed two motion-detection cameras. To prevent theft, the devices were securely fastened to trees and posts at a height, and were retrieved daily during the two-week study, during which the cameras were moved to 14 different sites.

Visual evidence captured by the camera traps

The researchers’ patience was quickly rewarded. As early as the second night of monitoring, the cameras captured two short video clips showing a male Chinese pangolin. The clips were recorded at 10:03 p.m. and 10:06 p.m., respectively, at the same location. Given the temporal and geographical proximity, experts concluded that it was the same individual engaged in nocturnal activity.

This discovery was the subject of an article published in the journal Oryx. In their publication, the scientists state: “This study provides the first confirmation, based on camera trap evidence, of the presence of the Chinese pangolin in the Sunsari District of eastern Nepal.” Full details are available via DOI 10.1017/s003060532610283x.

The Link Between Sacred Culture and Sustainable Conservation

Although this identification is excellent news for environmentalists, the researchers, including Tujin Rai, emphasize that the study remains limited by its short duration and the small area covered. At this stage, it remains impossible to accurately estimate the overall pangolin population density across the entire district. However, the presence of this rare mammal in a sacred forest nestled within an urban environment underscores the importance of local traditions for the survival of wildlife.

As the study’s authors note, “The presence of the Chinese pangolin in this sacred forest enriches the ecological significance of this urban habitat. Protecting the pangolin in this context provides an opportunity to link cultural values with conservation awareness.” This synergy between faith and ecology could serve as a model for the preservation of other endangered species living near populated areas.

Source: phys.org

Nepal: Rare Chinese Pangolin Identified in a Sacred Forest in Sunsari District