Kiphire, February 4 (MExN): A baby pangolin was successfully rescued and released through a community-led effort by the International Border Area Peoples’ Welfare Organisation (IBAPWO) at Mutingkhong village in Kiphire district, located close to the Indo–Myanmar international border.
The animal was accidentally caught recently and was found by Khumong, a resident of Mutingkhong village. Displaying responsible and conservation-friendly behaviour, he did not harm the animal and immediately informed N Apong, chief functionary of IBAPWO.
Following the information, a team from IBAPWO promptly responded and coordinated with the villager to ensure the safety of the animal. After reaching the site and assessing the situation, the team carefully rescued the baby pangolin.
Considering the ecological sensitivity of pangolins and the importance of maternal care for young pangolins, the team ensured that the animal was safely released back into its natural burrow at the same location, where the mother pangolin was present. The rescue and release were carried out with utmost care to minimise stress to the animal and maximise its chances of survival in the wild.
The incident has been cited as a positive example of how awareness, timely communication and collaboration between local communities and grassroots organisations can contribute significantly to the protection of endangered wildlife.
Pangolins are among the most trafficked mammals globally and are protected under Indian wildlife laws. Such incidents reflect a growing sense of conservation awareness and responsibility among border communities in Nagaland, particularly in remote areas where human–wildlife interactions are frequent.
IBAPWO has been working actively in the Indo–Myanmar border regions of Kiphire district to promote wildlife conservation, community stewardship and coexistence with nature. The successful rescue at Mutingkhong village, the organisation said, reinforces the belief that conservation efforts are most effective when local communities are at the forefront.
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