Tangkhul villagers rescue, release Pangolin
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 17 2025: Tangkhul Naga Awunga Long president Kashung Tennyson has facilitated the rescue and safe release of a live Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) found in a farmland near his village in Tangkhul Khullen, marking a proud moment for the community and underscoring the growing success of grassroots conservation efforts.

As per a release, the pangolin, discovered by local farmers, was promptly reported to Tennyson, reflecting awareness and commitment among the villagers following a resolution passed under his leadership in July 2024.The resolution, which bans hunting, consumption and trade of pangolins across all 252 Tangkhul Naga villages, has set a strong precedent in protecting one of the world's most trafficked mammals.

The release informed that Tennyspn personally ensured the safe release of the rescued pangolin back into its natural habitat.

Speaking on the occasion, he called upon all Tangkhul Naga villages to uphold and implement the resolution without fail.

"The Chinese Pangolin is a critically endangered species.

If we don't protect it now, it will vanish from our forests forever.

Let this be a message that our commitment is not just in words - but in action," he said.

The Chinese pangolin is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List and is under severe threat due to illegal hunting and trafficking.

The species is also protected under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, which provides the highest level of legal pro tection.

Any involvement in the hunting, consumption, or trade of pangolins may result in imprisonment of up to three to seven years and a minimum fine of Rs 25,000 under the law.

"The Tangkhul Naga Community's leadership in pangolin conservation sets a powerful example for the world", said Pangolin Crisis Fund director Azza, adding: "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 beacon of what's possible when people and wildlife coexist in harmony".

Stating the rescue and safe release serve as an inspiring example of how traditional leadership, when aligned with conservation goals, can create real and lasting impact on the ground, Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and Wildlife Conservation Network's Pangolin Crisis Fund applauded Tennyson and the Tangkhul Naga community for their unwavering dedication to pangolin conservation.

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