Journal de la biodiversité et des espèces menacées

Anthropogenic Threats to Survival of the Critically Endangered Chinese Pangolins (Manis pentadactyla) and their Habitat in Kavrepalanchowk Nepal

Abstract

Suman Acharya, Santosh Rayamajhi, Sonia Sharma, Suraj Upadhaya, Sanjeev Joshi and Sabhyata Lamichhane

Human activities are the prime reasons that cause the decline of Chinese Pangolins (Manis pentadactyla) throughout the world. Globally, the limited area is managed under protected area while most of the area lies outside protected areas where anthropogenic threats are experienced high. Incessant increase in the threats has lead Pangolins to a high risk of extinction in Nepal. This study was carried between October 2016 to January 2017 in Balthali VDC of Kavrepalanchowk district using semi-structured questionnaire interview (n=117) to assess prevailing anthropogenic threats to Chinese Pangolins and habitat. Almost all respondents agreed that human activities are major threats to Pangolins and habitat. More than half of the respondents stated that poaching and illegal trade, habitat destruction and haphazard construction and development activities like hotel and road constructions have resulted in reduced Pangolins population. Moreover, intentional human induced forest fire, heavy grazing and a significant increase in the use of chemical insecticides are diminishing the habitat of Chinese pangolins. To secure long-term conservation of Chinese Pangolins and their habitat we suggest promotion of public awareness activities.