In a commendable act of community-driven conservation, a Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla), a species protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, was successfully rescued and released into the wild through a collaborative effort of the Senapati Divisional Forest Department and the Sadim Pukhri Village Authority.

The rescue operation was initiated following a distress call from Joseph Kaba, a farmer and Chairman of Sadim Malingli village. The pangolin had been found displaced from its natural habitat in the vicinity of the village, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Sadim Pukhri Village Authority.

Responding swiftly, the Forest Department deployed a team accompanied by Dr. Chang L, Veterinary Officer from the District Veterinary Office, Senapati. The animal underwent a thorough medical examination to rule out any injuries or signs of disease. Once deemed healthy, the pangolin was released back into a suitable forested area as per the guidelines of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Joseph Kaba highlighted the need to reduce human-wildlife conflict and emphasized the importance of treating animals with compassion. “We must learn to coexist and protect the voiceless beings of our ecosystem,” he said.

The Forest Department lauded the efforts of the local community and urged the public to continue supporting conservation efforts. Officials noted that the successful rescue underscores the effectiveness of collaborative action in protecting biodiversity.

Sadim Pukhri village has been actively engaged in conservation initiatives for over a decade, especially in the forest areas surrounding Sadim Lizai Lake. These efforts are led by the Sadim Lizai Students & Youth Association (SLSYA) in partnership with the village authority, playing a key role in safeguarding the region’s natural heritage.

This operation stands as a shining example of how community participation can significantly bolster wildlife protection and environmental preservation.