The rare Indian Pangolin, a critically endangered species, was rescued by the Indian Army in collaboration with the Wildlife Protection Department from a forest.
The incident took place in Sunderbani town, near the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir, India on January 9.

Visuals show a man releasing the pangolin from a cage, allowing it to walk while forest officials observe nearby.

According to reports, the Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) is listed as a Schedule-I animal under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and is categorized as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. This species is rare and elusive, and its hard body scales are highly sought after in the illegal wildlife trade, making it a prime target for traffickers.

“This rescue operation is a significant milestone for Rajouri and a valuable addition to the biodiversity of the Rajouri-Poonch Wildlife Division. We appreciate the support of the Indian Army in this endeavor,” said Amit Sharma, Wildlife Warden of the Rajouri-Poonch range.

The operation underscores the Wildlife Protection Department's commitment to safeguarding endangered species and preserving the region’s rich biodiversity, Sharma added.