Rajouri, Jan 10: In a joint operation, the Indian Army and the Wildlife Protection Department rescued an Indian Pangolin, a critically endangered species, from a forest near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district, officials said on Friday.
The Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata), a rare and elusive species, is listed as a Schedule-I animal under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and is classified as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Its hard, keratinous scales make it highly sought after in the illegal wildlife trade, making the rescue operation particularly significant.
The operation was conducted on Thursday in the Sunderbani area near the LoC, underscoring the region’s rich biodiversity and the pressing need for conservation efforts.
“This rescue operation is a significant milestone for Rajouri and a valuable contribution to the biodiversity of the Rajouri-Poonch Wildlife Division. We are grateful for the Indian Army’s support in this endeavor,” said Amit Sharma, Wildlife Warden of the Rajouri-Poonch range.
Sharma emphasized the department’s commitment to protecting endangered species and preserving the ecological balance in the region. The successful rescue serves as a reminder of the ongoing threats faced by rare species and the collaborative efforts required to combat them.
This incident highlights the critical role of coordinated actions between security forces and environmental agencies in safeguarding wildlife, particularly in areas near sensitive borders like the LoC.
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