Implementing evidence-based conservation measures to protect Chinese Pangolin in Khotang, eastern Nepal
Khotang, a remote and underdeveloped district in eastern Nepal, is home to a diverse ecosystem, including the critically endangered Chinese Pangolin. Threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and development, this project aims to implement evidence-based conservation strategies to protect and conserve the Chinese Pangolin population in Khotang. Through community involvement, habitat protection, and awareness campaigns, the project strives to secure a future for this species while fostering sustainable coexistence with local communities.

Project Objectives:
- Community-Based Monitoring: Train over 20 locals in wildlife monitoring, forming Community-Based Anti-Poaching Units to report sightings and combat hunting and trade.
- Habitat Protection: Identify crucial pangolin habitats through camera trap surveys, strategically placing signs to minimize disturbances and create safer environments.
- Awareness and Education: Conduct community conservation training for a minimum of 100 individuals, launch extensive outreach campaigns, and directly engage with 400 students through conservation camps.

Activities:
- Community-based monitoring system with trained volunteers.
- Camera trapping and habitat analysis.
- Installation of information boards in crucial areas.
- Development of educational materials and outreach campaigns.
- Workshops and training sessions for communities and schools.
Next Steps:
- Identification of Crucial Habitat Corridors: Ensure resilience and sustainability of Chinese Pangolin populations by creating and protecting habitat corridors.
- Continuation and Expansion of Community-Based Monitoring: Expand monitoring system and build volunteer capacity for rescue and rehabilitation.
- Increase Community Involvement in Research: Involve the local community in Chinese Pangolin research and conservation management.
Project Update 1: Pangolin Awareness in Khotang Schools
We successfully conducted a pangolin awareness program in 14 schools across Khotang district. A total of 725 students participated in the program, which included:
- Interactive presentations: We presented on pangolin biology, their importance in the ecosystem, the threats they face, and the need for conservation.
- Quizzes and discussions: Students participated in quizzes to test their knowledge and engaged in discussions about pangolin conservation.
- Educational materials: We distributed educational materials, such as stickers, masks, and posters, to students.
The program was a great success, and students showed a strong interest in learning about pangolins and their importance. We believe that this program has helped to raise awareness and inspire students to become advocates for pangolin conservation.
Next Steps:
- Community Engagement: Work with local communities to raise awareness and support conservation initiatives.
- Establish Eco-Clubs: Plan to establish eco-clubs in selected schools to continue pangolin conservation efforts.
Project Update 2: Initial Consultation Meetings with Local CFUGs
We’re thrilled to share some exciting updates with you!
- Community Engagement: We recently held a consultation meeting with three Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs) in Jalapa, Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality, Ward 12. The community expressed strong support for the project and agreed to play a vital role in its implementation.
- Key Partnership: We’ve signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Office of Ward 12 to collaborate on biodiversity conservation efforts within the ward. This partnership will strengthen our impact and ensure the long-term success of our projects.


What’s Next?
- The CFUGs will be forming a coordination committee of seven CFUGs to oversee project activities.
- We will be developing a detailed project action plan in collaboration with the community.
- Community wildlife monitoring training workshop and awareness campaigns will be launched to educate the public about the importance of Chinese Pangolin conservation.
We’re excited about the future of this project and look forward to sharing more updates with you soon!
Project Update 3: Community Forest User Groups Empowered Through Wildlife Monitoring Training
A one-day training program was conducted on January 13, 2025, for community forest user groups in Jalapa, Khotang. The training, which followed a successful eco-club workshop, aimed to equip local communities with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective wildlife monitoring within their forest areas.
Key Highlights:
- Participants: 26 members from 7 different community forest user groups actively participated in the training.
- Curriculum: The comprehensive training covered a range of topics, including:
- Wildlife of the eastern Mid-hills of Nepal
- Importance of Pangolins
- Basics of Wildlife Monitoring Techniques
- Practical Demonstration: Camera Trap Deployment
- The training aimed to:
- Enhance community understanding of local wildlife and their ecological significance.
- Develop practical skills in wildlife monitoring, including camera trap deployment and data collection.
- Foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members in conserving their local forests.
Impact:
This training program is expected to have a significant impact on local conservation efforts. By empowering community members with the necessary knowledge and skills, the training will:
- Improve wildlife monitoring accuracy: More reliable data on wildlife populations will inform effective conservation strategies.
- Strengthen community conservation: Active community involvement will enhance the protection and sustainable management of forest resources.
- Raise awareness: Increased awareness about wildlife and their importance will foster a stronger sense of environmental stewardship among local communities.





Moving Forward:
We have agreed to form a committee of 7 community forest user groups that will overlook the camera trap deployment plan and members in the upcoming future. NCSC will provide the camera traps and will obtain necessary permits, while the community forest user groups will facilitate the camera trap deployment and decide further activities.
Empowering communities as conservation leaders.