Tangkhul Naga leadership, Pangolin conservation, and the fight against Climate Change
- A symbol of hope -

Addie Chiphang *

Tangkhul Naga leadership, Pangolin conservation, and the fight against Climate Change :: Pix - Addie Chiphang/TSE

IN the serene, mist-covered hills of Manipur, an extraordinary story is unfolding - one that resonates far beyond the dense forests of Tangkhul Khullen. It is the story of a community rising to the call of nature, a story of leadership grounded in tradition, and a powerful reminder that in the age of climate change, every act of conservation is an act of resilience.

When a Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla), one of the world’s most trafficked and endangered mammals, was found alive in a farmland near Tangkhul Khullen village, the response was swift and decisive. Instead of falling victim to poaching - a fate met by countless pangolins globally - the animal was rescued and safely released into the wild by none other than Qr. Kashung Tennyson, the President of the Tangkhul Naga Awungshi Long (TNAL).

This act of protection was not accidental; it was the fruit of visionary community leadership and a landmark resolution passed under Qr. Tennyson’s stewardship in July 2024. The resolution banned hunting, consumption, and trade of pangolins across all 252 Tangkhul Naga villages - an unprecedented move that reflects not only the community’s reverence for nature but also their proactive role in addressing the global environmental crisis.

Pangolins and the Climate Change Connection

At first glance, one might not see a direct link between pangolin conservation and climate change. But dig deeper, and the interconnections between species protection, biodiversity, and planetary health become evident.

Pangolins are insectivores and play a vital role in regulating termite and ant populations, which in turn helps maintain the balance of forest ecosystems. When species like pangolins are eliminated, it disrupts the food chain, affecting both flora and fauna.

Healthy ecosystems are natural carbon sinks - they absorb carbon dioxide, regulate temperature, purify water, and support climate stability. The loss of even a single species can weaken these functions, making ecosystems more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Moreover, the illegal trade in wildlife, which contributes to deforestation and habitat destruction, releases stored carbon and undermines nature’s ability to recover. Protecting pangolins, therefore, is more than species conservation - it is climate action.

Traditional Knowledge as an Environmental Asset

The Tangkhul Naga community, like many indigenous groups, possesses a deep cultural connection to the land. Their traditional knowledge - passed down through generations - is invaluable in managing forests sustainably, conserving water, and preserving biodiversity.

By enacting a village-wide ban on pangolin hunting, TNAL is not only preserving a rare species but reviving ancient ecological wisdom. This action also demonstrates how indigenous governance, when empowered, can yield environmental solutions that are both culturally rooted and globally significant.

In the context of climate change, where industrial systems often exploit resources unsustainably, the indigenous model of coexistence and restraint offers a powerful contrast. It promotes harmony with nature rather than dominance over it - something the modern world urgently needs to relearn.

Community Leadership in the Climate Crisis

What makes this rescue story particularly inspiring is the role of community leadership. Qr. Kashung Tennyson did not just release a pangolin - he ignited a movement. By putting policy into practice, he bridged the gap between resolution and reality. In a region often overlooked in national conservation discourse, this local leadership sets a national and even international example.

The climate crisis demands precisely this kind of leadership - visionary, rooted in local realities, and backed by collective action. While Governments and international bodies negotiate carbon targets and global treaties, communities like Tangkhul Khullen are already doing the work on the ground.

These grassroots initiatives also contribute to climate resilience. Healthy, biodiverse ecosystems act as buffers against climate extremes - absorbing floodwaters, stabilizing soils, and regulating microclimates. By protecting their natural heritage, the Tangkhul people are effectively climate-proofing their homeland.

Policy Meets People: Legal Backing and Environmental Awareness

The Chinese pangolin is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the highest level of legal protection in India. Despite this, enforcement in remote regions like Manipur often remains a challenge due to poor infrastructure, lack of awareness, and inadequate surveillance.

What makes the TNAL initiative groundbreaking is its proactive alignment with the law at the grassroots level. Instead of waiting for enforcement from outside, the community has internalized legal norms and turned them into a moral responsibility.

“We consider it our duty and pride to protect the species that belong to our land,” said Eno. Chingri Soror an environmental activist during the rescue. This sense of stewardship is critical in a time when environmental laws are frequently flouted or inadequately implemented. Awareness, coupled with ownership, is a powerful tool for conservation.

Global Applause and the Role of Civil Society

The rescue act did not go unnoticed. The Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and the Pangolin Crisis Fund - a coalition led by the Wildlife Conservation Network - lauded the community’s efforts, describing them as a beacon of hope for global conservation.

Azza, Director of the Pangolin Crisis Fund, commented: “When community leaders and NGOs come together with a shared vision, we can make a significant and lasting difference. This rescue is not only a moment of pride but a model for the world.”

Such recognition is more than symbolic - it emphasizes the importance of local-global partnerships. Climate change is a global problem, but its solutions are often local. Civil society organizations can amplify these local voices, support education, and provide resources to replicate successful models in other parts of the country and the world.

The Larger Environmental Picture: Manipur and the North East

Manipur and the North East region of India are ecological treasure troves. Rich in flora and fauna, the region is home to several endangered species, sacred groves, and rivers that serve millions downstream. However, it is also a region under pressure - facing deforestation, unsustainable agriculture, infrastructure development, and climate- induced weather shifts.

In this context, the rescue of a pangolin is symbolic of a larger struggle: to preserve a fragile ecological balance in one of India’s most sensitive environmental frontiers. The Tangkhul initiative is a reminder that conservation need not be imposed from above - it can rise from the ground up, rooted in identity, tradition, and a collective will to act.

A Call to Action

The story of the rescued pangolin is far more than a feel-good anecdote. It is a call to action. It asks : Can other communities replicate this model of indigenous-led conservation?

Can Government agencies partner more effectively with local leaders to enforce environmental laws ?

Can we integrate traditional ecological knowledge into mainstream climate policy?

The answer must be yes - because time is short, and the planet is in peril.

Conclusion: From Forest Floor to Global Forums

As the Chinese pangolin scurried back into the forest, unaware of the headlines it was making, it carried with it a powerful symbol: that hope, like nature, can regenerate when nurtured. The act of rescue was small in scale, but monumental in meaning.

In a world grappling with rising temperatures, collapsing ecosystems, and vanishing species, the hills of Tangkhul have offered a rare gift - a story of how compassion, culture, and courage can converge to protect the Earth.

Qr. Kashung Tennyson and the Tangkhul Naga community have done more than save a pangolin. They have shown that even in the remotest corners of the world, climate leadership is alive, and the fight for the planet continues - one species, one village, one act at a time.


(This Article is written under the joint initiative of Ukhrul District Working Journalist Association and Directorate of Environment and Clima Change, Government of Manipur)