ZSI scientists discover new species of Indo-Burmese pangolin

The study was based on genetic analyses of specimens that confirmed that the Indo-Burmese pangolin diverged from the Chinese pangolin around 3.4 million years ago

Scientists of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have identified a new species of Indo-Burmese pangolin (Manis indoburmanica) that diverged from the Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) approximately 3.4 million years ago.

The development of the species was likely influenced by dramatic geoclimatic changes in the Indo-Burma region, which is recognised as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. The details of the discovery was published in the paper ‘Indo‐Burmese pangolin (Manis indoburmanica): a novel phylogenetic species of pangolin evolved in Asia’ in international peer-reviewed journal Mammalian Biology.

“With the present findings, we advocate recognition of this novel lineage as Indo-Burmese pangolin, Manis indoburmanica - a distinct phylogenetic species of Asian pangolin. This lineage’s unique evolutionary history and genetic distinctiveness, highlighted by its divergence approximately 3.4 million years ago amid significant paleo-climatic shifts, underline its vulnerability and the critical need for targeted conservation measures,” the paper stated.

The discovery was led by a team of scientists led by Mukesh Thakur of the ZSI who used cutting-edge genomic tools to analyse mitochondrial genomes.

“This discovery is a testament to the power of modern genetic tools in uncovering hidden diversity. The Indo-Burmese pangolin not only enriches our understanding of Asian pangolins but also emphasises the need for region-specific conservation efforts,” Dr. Thakur said.

Lenrik Konchok Wangmo, a PhD scholar at the University of Calcutta and a key contributor to the discovery, played a vital role in identifying the holotype and paratype specimens from Arunachal Pradesh. “This species adds a new dimension to pangolin conservation, highlighting the importance of protecting their habitats from threats like poaching and habitat degradation,” Mr. Wangmo said.

The study was based on genetic analyses of specimens that confirmed that the Indo-Burmese pangolin diverged from the Chinese pangolin around 3.4 million years ago.

“A significant genetic distance of 0.038 and a barcode gap of 3.8% reinforced its status as a distinct species. The species is believed to have evolved in isolation during the Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs, influenced by climatic and geological shifts. Its current distribution spans parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and possibly extends to Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar,” the scientists behind the discovery said.

Dr. Thakur emphasised that discovery of the Indo-Burmese pangolin underscores the urgent need to prioritise pangolin conservation. “Pangolins are among the most heavily trafficked mammals globally,” he said, adding that recognizing this species as distinct highlights its vulnerability and the pressing need for collaborative conservation measures across its range.”

Lauding the team of scientists for the discovery, ZSI Director Dhriti Banerjee said this remarkable finding demonstrates the critical role of scientific research in uncovering biodiversity and informing conservation action. “Protecting the Indo-Burmese pangolin is essential to safeguarding the ecological integrity of the Indo-Burma region,” Dr. Banerjee said.

Pangolins are among the most trafficked wild mammals globally. India is home to two species — the Indian Pangolin, found across the subcontinent; and the Chinese Pangolin, found across a larger area in south Asia. Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam have both species in their States. World Pangolin Day is observed every year on February 18.

Published - January 11, 2025 04:35 am IST