UN 
As temperatures surge across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa this July, new research highlights a sharp decline in the region’s pangolin habitats, compounding threats faced by the endangered Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata). Field teams from the University of Peshawar reported last week that several forested tracts near Abbottabad and Mansehra districts have been cleared for small-scale farming and infrastructure since spring 2026, with satellite imagery showing a 14% reduction in key habitat zones since January.
Pakistan, one of only four countries home to the Indian pangolin, has struggled to balance rural economic development with biodiversity commitments under SDG 15 (Life on Land). While the federal government reaffirmed its pledge to expand protected areas by 12% before the end of 2026, conservation NGOs argue that implementation remains uneven. “Local enforcement is patchy and pangolin poaching continues,” said Dr. Sana Ullah, a wildlife biologist at WWF-Pakistan, during a Sunday seminar in Islamabad.
The illegal wildlife trade has already pushed the species to the brink, but researchers warn habitat fragmentation now presents an immediate risk. This Monday morning, forest rangers near Battagram described finding new roadside clearings less than 500 meters from known pangolin burrows, increasing the likelihood of human-wildlife conflict.
Despite the urgency, targeted funding for pangolin monitoring remains limited. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Forest Department allocated just $67,000 for pangolin conservation in its 2026 budget, less than 0.1% of its total wildlife outlay. Conservationists are calling for real-time monitoring, with pilot projects using remote camera traps slated to launch later this summer.
As the region contends with record heat and shifting land use, Pakistan’s pangolin population risks further decline unless concrete protection measures are enacted before the next winter migration season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Indian pangolin facing habitat loss in northern Pakistan?
The Indian pangolin is losing habitat in northern Pakistan due to deforestation, small-scale farming, and infrastructure development.
How much has pangolin habitat declined in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since January 2026?
Satellite imagery shows a 14% reduction in pangolin habitats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since January 2026.
What is the Pakistani government’s pledge regarding protected areas for pangolins?
Pakistan’s government pledged to expand protected areas by 12% before the end of 2026, but implementation is uneven.
How much funding was allocated for pangolin conservation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s 2026 budget?
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Forest Department allocated $67,000 for pangolin conservation in its 2026 budget.
What new threats to pangolins were reported near Abbottabad, Mansehra, and Battagram?
Field teams reported new forest clearings near Abbottabad, Mansehra, and Battagram districts this summer, with some clearings found less than 500 meters from known pangolin burrows.
