Camera traps capture rare species in Riat Laban and Laitkor reserve forests, highlighting the conservation value of Shillong’s urban-edge woodlands
SHILLONG, Oct 20: The critically endangered Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) has been recorded for the first time in the study area of Riat Laban and Laitkor reserve forests on the outskirts of Shillong, underscoring the ecological importance of the city’s remaining forest patches.
The rare detection was made through camera traps deployed as part of an ongoing study, “Assessment of Mammalian Assemblages in Meghalaya”, undertaken by experts from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) with support from the Meghalaya Forest Department.
The project is led by principal investigators Dr Salvador Lyngdoh and Dr P. Mahajan, with Nishi Nath, S. Roy, Aibor Sawian and J. Momin forming part of the research team.
The camera-trap survey has also documented a range of other wildlife species in the forests, including the Large Indian Civet, Leopard Cat, Masked Palm Civet, Yellow-throated Marten, Indian Crested Porcupine and Kalij Pheasant.
The presence of the Chinese pangolin, a highly threatened mammal, adds to the conservation significance of the forests. Pangolins are elusive, nocturnal animals that feed primarily on ants and termites and are threatened by habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade.
Researchers say the findings highlight the role of forests close to Shillong in sustaining wildlife, even as urban development and habitat fragmentation place increasing pressure on natural ecosystems.
The Riat Laban and Laitkor forests form part of the green belt along Shillong’s urban fringe. Their wildlife diversity demonstrates that forest patches adjoining expanding cities can provide important habitats and refuge for threatened species.
The researchers have stressed the need for enhanced protection of these forests to safeguard their biodiversity and maintain the ecological integrity of the landscape.
The findings underline the importance of conserving Shillong’s city-edge forests, not only for their wildlife but also for the ecological functions they continue to perform amid the growing urban footprint.
The findings come amid public protests in Shillong over the proposed ropeway project, which have brought renewed attention to the protection of the city’s green spaces. While the camera-trap study does not assess the impact of the road project, the discovery of the Chinese pangolin and other wildlife in forests on Shillong’s outskirts highlights the ecological value of these urban-edge habitats and the need to consider biodiversity in development decisions.
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