The Impact of Nepalese Forest Fires on the World’s Only Scaly Mammal

A Nepalese conservationist is conducting research on the impact of forest fires on pangolins, a scaly mammal species. Her work is inspiring a new generation of researchers to appreciate these animals.

Nepal is home to two out of the eight species of pangolin, namely the Chinese pangolin and the Indian pangolin. These creatures are known as “friends of farmers” due to their important role in the ecosystem. A single pangolin can consume 70 million ants and termites per year.

Tulshi Laxmi Suwal, the founder of Small Mammals Conservation and Research Foundation (SMCRF) in Kathmandu, Nepal, highlights a 2016 study that revealed the increasing threat to pangolin habitat in Nepal due to forest fires. Over 3,000 forest fire incidents occur annually in the country.

Her project aims to establish ten sustainable Community Pangolin Conservation Groups to monitor pangolin populations and their habitats. These groups will also be equipped to manage fires and plant 20,000 local mixed broad-leaved trees.

“This project has the potential to benefit other species and address issues like gender inequality and climate change,” Suwal states. “Nature-based solutions can provide alternative livelihoods for local communities, such as making leaf plates.”

According to the World Wildlife Fund, pangolins are highly trafficked mammals in Asia and Africa, sought after for their meat and use in folk medicine, particularly in China and Vietnam.

Suwal emphasizes that her project in Nepal is the first initiative dedicated to protecting critically endangered pangolin species, their habitat, and the ecosystem.

“Due to my research, I have gained recognition as the ‘pangolin lady’ both locally and globally. I have been working with pangolins for 15 years now,” Suwal remarks. “Unlike some other wildlife, pangolins are shy and gentle, so there was no physical risk involved in conducting the study.”

On April 26, 2023, Tulshi Laxmi Suwal was honored with the 2023 Whitley Award from UK charity Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN). This recognition will support her ongoing work in protecting pangolins.

The project will cover three districts in Bagmati Province, central Nepal, encompassing more than 4,000 hectares of habitat.

Forest Connection

Suwal was born in Bhaktapur, one of Nepal’s smaller historical cities. She grew up close to the Suryabinayak forests, spending time there with her grandfather. They collected and processed Moringa leaves to create a powder with medicinal properties.

“My grandfather shared his knowledge and taught me about the importance of forests,” she recalls. “My school also organized trips to natural areas, reinforcing my connection and passion for nature conservation.”

Tulshi Laxmi Suwal has become a significant role model for female students in Nepal. She was the first woman in the country to receive a PhD in pangolin studies. She is also a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Pangolin Specialist Group.

“We are all interconnected and dependent on nature within this complex web of life,” Suwal asserts. “No single country or scientist can succeed in conservation without collaboration and support.”

Another scientist from the Global South, Charles Emogor in Nigeria, also focuses on studying pangolins. Emogor is particularly passionate about the White-bellied Pangolin, which is found in tropical Sub-Saharan Africa.

MORE FROM FORBES
What Is This Young Nigerian Scientist’s Passion? Pangolins!
By Andrew Wight

While not as imposing as lions or cheetahs, Emogor believes that the White-bellied Pangolin captures public interest in a unique way.

Denial of responsibility! TechCodex is an automatic aggregator of the all world’s media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.