A Story of Pangolin Mother and her innocent Daughter.

                             

As a forester, I have always been fascinated by the web of the natural world. Recently, I read about the remarkable pangolin, and to my great fortune, I had the opportunity to observe this elusive creature in its natural habitat of Nepal. 

One misty morning, while patrolling the dense forest, I stumbled upon a heartwarming yet heartbreaking scene. Hidden among the foliage, a mother pangolin was comforting her young daughter. The little one, with wide, innocent eyes, seemed troubled. I decided to stay hidden and observe, captivated by their interaction.

Pangolins

IN MY HEAD WHAT MIGHT BE HER CURIOSITY?

I thought she might me asking her mom .......

"Mom, why do humans kill us?" the young pangolin asked, her voice trembling with both fear and curiosity.

The mother sighed her deeply with tear in her eyes and said it is because of our scales, dear. Humans believe they have medicinal properties, and some even eat our meat. Your father..., she paused, her voice breaking, "was taken by poachers because of this"

A Mothers Explanation ...

The mother pangolin curled around her daughter protectively, continuing her explanation. " We live in this beautiful forest of Nepal, surrounded by the Himalayan foothills. Our habitat is rich with ants and termites, which we use our long tongues to catch. We dig burrows to sleep in during day, and night, we come out to forage". 

"Your father was a strong digger." she added, her eyes reflecting both pride and sorrow. "He kept us safe with the burrow he dug. But the humans .... they didn't care about our home. They only saw their benefits".

My Emotional Realization

As I listened to their conversation, my heart ached for the pangolin family. Their story brought to life statistics I had read about- the millions of pangolins poached each year, the demand for their scales and meat, and the devastating impact on their population.

The Call for Conservation

I knew then I had to share this story, not just as a forester but as human being who had witnessed their unpleasant situations. Conservation efforts are critical. Governments, Organizations in Nepal are working tirelessly to protect pangolins by combating poaching, preserving their habitats, and raising awareness.

Amazing Facts About Pangolins

• Unique scales: Pangolins are the only mammals covered in scales made of Keratin.
• Long Tongues: Their tongues can extend longer than their bodies, perfect for catching insects.
• Solitary and Nocturnal: They are solitary creatures that forage at night and sleep in burrows during the day.
• Critically Endangered: Despite their fascinating adaptations, all eight species of pangolins are threatened with extinction due to illegal wildlife trade and habitat loss.

A Plea for Help

My encounter with the pangolin family was a pathetic reminder of the urgency of conservation. We must act to protect these extraordinary creatures from extinction.

As I left the forest that day, the image of the mother and daughter pangolin stayed with me. This story is powerful testament to the impact of human actions on wildlife. By sharing their circumstances, I hope to inspire others to join the fight to save these incredible creatures. 

Together we can make a difference and ensure that pangolins continue to thrive in the wild.

Pangolin Family

                           Thank You