Pangolin Protection: Community-led Conservation in Nagaland's Kiphire District
Why in News
In Nagaland's Kiphire district, along the Indo-Myanmar border, local communities are leading efforts to protect pangolins, which are threatened by hunting for cultural beliefs and illegal trade. Conservationists are collaborating with village councils and customary courts to enforce bans under the Wildlife Protection Act.
Background
This highlights the challenge of wildlife protection in border regions and the critical role of community engagement and customary laws in conservation efforts, especially for Schedule I species like pangolins. It also underscores the enforcement gaps in national laws.
Key Facts
- 1Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata): IUCN Status – Endangered | CITES Appendix I.
- 2Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla): IUCN Status – Critically Endangered | CITES Appendix I.
- 3Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Pangolins are listed under Schedule I, affording highest protection.
- 4Kiphire District: Located in Nagaland, along the porous Indo-Myanmar border.
- 5Indo-Myanmar Border: Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Mizoram share borders with Myanmar.
- 6Customary Laws: Recognized in tribal areas, often under Fifth and Sixth Schedules of the Constitution.
Exam Angle
The governance challenge in wildlife conservation involves integrating national laws like the WPA 1972 with local customary practices and strengthening enforcement mechanisms in sensitive border regions.
PYQ Connection
PRELIMS_FACT: IUCN status of species; MATCHING: Wildlife Protection Act schedules
Map Points