South Asian experts meet in Kathmandu to plan 25-year pangolin conservation strategy

KATHMANDU: Leading scientists, government officials and conservationists from across South Asia have convened in Kathmandu for a five-day regional event aimed at protecting pangolins, one of the world’s most threatened mammals.

The meeting, titled 'Pangolin Conservation in South Asia', opened on Sunday and seeks to strengthen regional cooperation and produce a shared conservation action plan for the next 25 years. Delegates are attending from all six South Asian pangolin-range countries, except for Afghanistan and the Maldives.

Organisers of the programme include the IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group, the South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN) and Greenhood Nepal. The event will bring together researchers and enforcement officials to coordinate responses to poaching and illegal trade.

Of the eight pangolin species worldwide, two occur in South Asia: the Chinese pangolin and the Indian pangolin, both present in Nepal. All pangolin species face severe threats from poaching and habitat loss, and South Asia is identified as a major source and transit hub for illegal trade.

Dr Buddi Sagar Paudel, Director General of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, said, "The collaboration like this is vital as its illegal trade does not recognise boundaries, nor should our conservation efforts. Guided by several misconceptions, this is already the world’s most trafficked mammal, and this is already a wake-up call for the world. Let’s science inform policy in these efforts."

Keri Parker, co-chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission's Pangolin Specialist Group, said, "South Asia’s richness is reflected not only in its landscapes and cultures but also in its pangolins. There is still much to learn about these remarkable animals. Many colleagues joining us this week continue working to better understand pangolin diversity and evolution across South and Southeast Asia, including investigating the possibility of as-yet undescribed, cryptic species."

Kumar Paudel, South Asia co-chair of the Pangolin Specialist Group and director of Greenhood Nepal, said, "This important gathering in Nepal, a home to one of the region’s pangolin populations, provides an opportunity to advance conservation through knowledge-sharing and advocacy. The event is particularly meaningful because it is driven by the understanding that combating poaching, illegal trade, and other threats to pangolins requires cooperation that transcends national borders."

Organisers expect the meeting to boost scientific collaboration, sharpen regional conservation efforts and help shape a long-term strategy to secure pangolins' future across South Asia.