Manipur, April 17, 2025: In a remarkable demonstration of community-led conservation efforts, Mr. Kashung Tennyson, President of the Tangkhul Naga Awunga Long, has facilitated the rescue and safe release of a live Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) found in a farmland near his village in Tangkhul Khullen. This significant act marks a proud moment for the community and underscores the growing success of grassroots conservation efforts in Manipur.

The pangolin, discovered by local farmers, was promptly reported to Mr. Tennyson, reflecting the increasing sensitisation and commitment among the villagers following a historic resolution passed under his leadership in July 2024. The resolution, which bans the hunting, consumption, and trade of pangolins across all 252 Tangkhul Naga villages, has set a strong precedent in protecting one of the world’s most trafficked mammals.

“Our leader made a promise, and today he fulfilled it,” said one of the villagers. “We consider it our duty and pride to implement the resolution and protect the species that belong to our land.”

The pangolin was safely released by Mr. Tennyson | Photo by TNAL

Mr. Tennyson personally ensured the safe release of the rescued pangolin back into its natural habitat. Speaking on the occasion, he called upon all Tangkhul Naga villages to uphold and implement the resolution without fail. “The Chinese Pangolin is a critically endangered species. If we don’t protect it now, it will vanish from our forests forever. Let this be a message that our commitment is not just in words—but in action,” he said.

The Chinese Pangolin is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List and is under severe threat due to illegal hunting and trafficking. The species is also protected under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, which provides the highest level of legal protection. Any involvement in the hunting, consumption, or trade of pangolins may result in imprisonment of three to seven years and a minimum fine of INR 25,000 under the law.

“The Tangkhul Naga community’s leadership in pangolin conservation sets a powerful example for the world,” said Azza, Director of the Pangolin Crisis Fund. “When community leaders and NGOs come together with a shared vision, we can make a significant and lasting difference. This rescue is not only a moment of pride but a beacon of what’s possible when people and wildlife coexist in harmony.”

The rescue and release of this individual is not only a conservation success but also a testament to the power of community leadership and indigenous stewardship.

This milestone serves as an inspiring example of how traditional leadership, when aligned with conservation goals, can create real and lasting impact on the ground. The Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and Wildlife Conservation Network’s Pangolin Crisis Fund applaud Mr. Tennyson and the Tangkhul Naga community for their unwavering dedication to pangolin conservation.

Read more about WTI’s Countering Pangolin Trafficking Project.