SYLLABUS
GS-3: Conservation.
Context: A recent study has confirmed the Himalayan pangolin (Manis aurita) as a distinct species, ending its long-standing classification as a subspecies of the Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla)
More on the News
- Historically, three subspecies of the Chinese pangolin were recognised: M. p. pentadactyla (Taiwan), M. p. pusilla (Hainan Island) and M. p. aurita (Central Nepal). While the first two had been extensively studied, the taxonomic status of M. p. aurita remained unresolved for decades.
- Researchers sequenced DNA from the original 1836 lectotype specimen of aurita described by Brian Houghton Hodgson and compared it with modern Himalayan specimens.
- The genomic and morphological analyses confirmed that Himalayan pangolins represent a distinct evolutionary lineage, warranting recognition as Manis aurita.
- The species has a restricted distribution in the southern Himalayan foothills, with confirmed populations in Nepal, South Tibet and Northeast India, including Assam.
- Additionally, DNA analysis of the original 1836 aurita specimen confirmed that the recently proposed Manis indoburmanica and Manis aurita are the same species. Consequently, Manis aurita has been retained as the valid scientific name for the Himalayan pangolin.
Scientific Basis for Species Recognition
- Distinct Physical Characteristics
- The Himalayan pangolin is significantly larger than the Chinese pangolin, averaging 95.2 cm in length compared to 71.2 cm.
- It has a larger skull, longer tail, smaller ears, and a shorter, broader nasal bone, indicating clear physical differences.
- Strong Genetic Evidence
- Genome sequencing revealed substantial genetic differences between Himalayan and Chinese pangolins, confirming that they belong to separate evolutionary lineages.
- Differences were also observed in genes related to olfaction (sense of smell), reflecting adaptation to different environments.
- Long Evolutionary Separation
- Scientists estimate that the ancestors of the two species diverged around 1.8 million years ago during the Early Pleistocene Epoch.
- Climatic changes likely isolated populations in the Himalayan region from those in East and Southeast Asia, leading to the evolution of a separate species over time.
- Impact of Past Climate Change
- Genetic evidence suggests that the Himalayan pangolin experienced major population declines during periods of climatic cooling, including during the Little Ice Age (14th–19th century).
Conservation Significance
- Species-Specific Conservation Planning: Recognition of Manis aurita as a separate species enables conservation strategies to be tailored to its unique ecology, distribution and threat profile.
- Improved Conservation Assessment: Earlier assessments grouped Himalayan and Chinese pangolins together; species-level recognition will allow more accurate evaluation of population status, distribution and extinction risk.
- Strengthening Anti-Trafficking and Wildlife Forensics: Clear taxonomic distinction can improve the identification of pangolin scales and body parts in wildlife crime investigations, supporting efforts to combat illegal trafficking.
- Recognition of Hidden Himalayan Biodiversity: The discovery highlights the Himalayan region as an important centre of cryptic biodiversity and underscores the value of integrative taxonomic research.
About Pangolins
- Unique Mammals: Pangolins are the world’s only mammals covered with protective keratin scales.
- Distribution: They occur across a wide range of habitats in Asia and Africa, including forests, grasslands and mountain ecosystems.
- Species Diversity: There are 8 pangolinspecies recognised globally — 4 in Asia and 4 in Africa.
- Four Asian Species: Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata), Philippine pangolin (Manis culionensis), Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica), and the Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla).
- Four African Species: Black-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tetradactyla), White-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis), Giant Ground pangolin (Smutsia gigantea), and Temminck’s Ground pangolin (Smutsia temminckii).
- If the recently confirmed Himalayan Pangolin (Manis aurita) is adopted by major taxonomic and conservation authorities, it will increase the Asian count to 5.
- Feeding Behaviour: Pangolins are insectivorous mammals that feed primarily on ants and termites using their long, sticky tongues.
- Ecological Role: They help regulate insect populations and contribute to soil aeration through their burrowing activities.
- Major Threats: Illegal wildlife trade, poaching and habitat loss have made pangolins among the most heavily trafficked mammals in the world.
- Pangolins in India: India is home to two species — the Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) and the Himalayan Pangolin (Manis aurita).
- World Pangolin Day is celebrated on the third Saturday of February annually since 2012.