This week, I am in Chitwan National Park searching for Chinese pangolins. I am working with researchers from Greenhood Nepal who are studying this critically-endangered species in order to better understand how we can protect them.
To do this, we have been hiking through the forest with local guides who are experts in finding pangolin burrows. Once we locate them, we set up camera traps that will help us observe these elusive creatures in their natural habitats. This research is critical because we still know very little about pangolins, which are rapidly disappearing across their range. Scientists at Greenhood Nepal are trying to pioneer research techniques that will help us monitor pangolins and track how populations are doing in the wild.
Many people do not know about pangolins, even in Nepal. Hopefully, by photographing wild pangolins and documenting the research being done with them, my project can help improve awareness about pangolins and support their protection.
Pangolins are the only mammals that are covered in scales, and as a result are often called "scaly anteaters." People also like to describe these animals as being "living pinecones" because of these scales, which are made of keratin, the same material as our fingernails. Pangolins are small, about the same size as a racoon, and they walk on all fours.
