Context:
Researchers have confirmed the Himalayan pangolin as a distinct species, separate from the Chinese pangolin, using genomic and morphological evidence. Scientists have urged its inclusion in CITES Appendix I due to illegal wildlife trade threats.
Explanation:
- Till now, it is believed that two species of pangolins found in India:
- Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata): Found throughout the country south of the Himalayas.
- Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla): Found primarily in the northeastern region and the eastern Himalayas. Both species are highly protected in India under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Himalayan pangolin is now identified as Manis aurita, distinct from Chinese pangolin- Manis pentadactyla. It was earlier treated as a subspecies of the Chinese pangolin. The finding is based on genomic sequencing and morphological evidence.
- Allopatric speciation occurred due to geographic and climatic separation between Himalayan and East or Southeast Asian refugia.
- Its range includes southern Himalayan foothills, Nepal, South Tibet and Northeast India, including Assam.
- Pangolins are scaly, nocturnal, insectivorous mammals that feed mainly on ants and termites.
- Threats include poaching, illegal wildlife trade, habitat instability and localised inbreeding.
- CITES Appendix I prohibits international commercial trade in listed species and their parts.
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