Malkangiri: In a successful wildlife rescue operation, the field staff of Balimela Range rescued an Indian Pangolin from an open patch of land along the forest fringe at Chitapari III village under Balimela section.
According to forest officials, the pangolin was spotted by the field staff during routine foot patrolling in the area. Finding the highly secretive and nocturnal animal out in the open during daytime, the team immediately alerted senior officials and took steps to rescue it without causing it any stress or injury.
Following the check-up, the pangolin was safely released back into its natural habitat which is far from human habitation, where it can thrive in its natural environment.
Notably, the Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata), also known as the scaly anteater, is a protected species listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. It is classified as Endangered by the IUCN and is highly threatened due to poaching for its scales and meat and habitat loss.
