The Himalaya, a global biodiversity hotspot, represents one of the strongholds of the species. However populations are rapidly declining, making this region crucial for its survival. Unsustainable hunting, poaching, and habitat destruction or fragmentations are the major threats to the species in the Himalaya. In addition low ecological knowledge and weak law enforcement are remaining the key challenges.

The purpose of this project is to strengthen Chinese Pangolin conservation efforts, which have been ongoing since 2014 in the Himalaya of the Kanchenzonga landscape- India. The specific objectives are i) Assess the distribution, threats, status and extinction risk of pangolins in the Himalayan State of Sikkim ii) Enhance the capacity of the local community, in pangolin monitoring and Co-develop monitoring plans for the species to pilot co-monitoring of the species in Darjeeling iii) Reinforce the connection of local youth co-habiting with pangolins iv) Explore pangolin-friendly for future enterprises with local community members and tea management to expand and diversify the wildlife economy to benefit species conservation in Darjeeling and through this project, the following key outcomes are expected to be realized.

1. Pangolin occurrence distribution status and extinction threats known addressing knowledge gap in Kanchenzonga landscape-India.
2. Enhanced capacity and positive engagement of community in pangolin monitoring and conservation.
3. Uptake of pangolin friendly enterprises, sustainable livelihood known
4. Connection of local youth with pangolin reinforced.

This project will contribute to reversing the decline of the Critically Endangered Chinese Pangolin in the Himalaya of Kanchenzonga landscape-India. Through science based strategies, community participation, providing alternative sustainable livelihood, the project envisions a future where pangolins thrive in healthy habitats while coexisting with local communities.