Pangolins are among the most trafficked mammals worldwide, yet they remain scientifically overlooked—even in Nepal, where their populations are declining rapidly due to illegal trade. Existing studies are limited to narrow regions in central and eastern Nepal, and current conservation efforts are either insufficient or fail to prioritize active protection measures. The situation is particularly critical in the Kavrepalanchok district, a known trade route linking Kathmandu to China for smuggled pangolin products. This area, including the Khopasi region within Panauti Municipality, is highly vulnerable to poaching and illegal trade.

To address this gap, our project will focus on three community forests in and around Khopasi (1396 km² area; coordinates: 85°52'69" E, 27°56'36" N). Dominant vegetation includes Pinus roxburghii, Alnus nepalensis, Pyrus pashia, and Schima wallichii. These forests are largely managed by local community forest user groups.

Our goals include:

• Generating baseline data and distribution maps of Chinese pangolins.
• Training and mobilizing 15 citizen scientists for regular habitat patrolling.
• Raising awareness among 1,500 students and 250 community members, including youths.
• Reducing local willingness to engage in or tolerate poaching.
• Supporting local farmers in developing stewardship for pangolin conservation, which in turn helps control ant and termite populations—benefiting agriculture-dependent livelihoods.

Through continuous community-led efforts, this project aims to reduce anthropogenic threats, prevent further poaching, and foster lasting conservation action for the critically endangered Chinese pangolin in central Nepal.

The project is funded by The Rufford Foundation.