Recent studies identify Nepal as an important habitat for the Chinese pangolin, with major population strongholds in central regions of the country. Although the species is still distributed across Nepal, most populations occur outside protected areas, making them highly vulnerable to anthropogenic pressures. Despite a rapid population decline, Chinese pangolins have received limited conservation priority, and there remains a significant lack of studies on their population status, abundance, and distribution. Nepal’s geographical location further intensifies this threat. Sharing a border with China, the world’s largest consumer market for pangolins and other illegally traded wildlife products, Nepal functions as both a source and transit country for pangolin trafficking. Customs authorities from the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) have confirmed that the Nepal–TAR border is a major smuggling route for pangolin scales and other endangered wildlife products, positioning Nepal as a priority country for interventions against illegal wildlife trade (IWT).

Recent seizure records of live pangolins and their body parts in Kathmandu indicate that Kavrepalanchok district serves as a key transit route connecting Nepal to Tibet. The northern part of the district is particularly vulnerable to illegal trade activities. Increasing incidences of smuggling also suggest active involvement of local communities in the poaching and trade of Chinese pangolins and their parts. A lack of awareness about the legal protection status of pangolins appears to be a major factor contributing to the escalation of illegal trade.

In addition to trafficking, habitat loss, human disturbance, and the absence of effective sensitization programs pose serious threats to the long-term survival of this species. Strengthening community awareness, building local capacity, and actively involving communities in conservation initiatives are therefore essential and potentially the most effective approaches for pangolin conservation.

This project proposes a set of targeted conservation measures in the community forests of Panauti Municipality–11 (Balthali), Kavrepalanchok district, Central Nepal. Key activities include mapping pangolin abundance and distribution hotspots through habitat surveys, restoring degraded habitats through community-led reforestation, and implementing sensitization programs for key stakeholder groups. By actively engaging local communities, the project aims to safeguard the Chinese pangolin and its habitat and ensure long-term conservation outcomes.

The project objectives area to;

1. Study distribution and population abundance of Chinese Pangolin in community forests of Panauti Municipality-11, Balthali, Kavrepalanchok district of Central Nepal.
2. Encourage and mobilize community members and Community Forest Users Groups (CFUGs) on habitat restoration through reforestation in community forests.
3. Use of survey data on threats and population abundance to conduct education and awareness activities.

The project is funded by The Rufford Foundation.