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Pangolins, also known as ‘scaly anteaters’ are unique mammals, owing to their specialized diet (eating ants and termites) and  external “armor” of overlapping epidermal scales. These creatures are threatened to extinction primarily due to anthropogenic influences. Limited reproductive capacity and lack of sufficient intervention along with growing anthropogenic influence imply that the mammal needs interventions to avoid its extinction.

Pangolin are represented by nine species distributed along tropical and subtropical Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa. All the species of pangolin are listed under appendix I of CITES, indicating the level of threats they are experiencing, primarily due to illegal international trade. Pangolins represent the most trafficked mammals in the world with more than 20 tons of pangolin and their parts trafficked annually.

In Nepal, two species of pangolin are found: ‘Chinese’ and ‘Indian’. Both the species are threatened to extinction as Chinese pangolin is listed as critically endangered while Indian pangolin is listed as endangered on the IUCN red list. A study on the distribution of pangolins shows that the species have been recorded in 61 districts. 

Despite a significant presence of the species in Nepal, what is alarming is the fact that illegal trade in pangolin reportedly grew eight-fold between 2009 and 2015.

A national-level survey of pangolins has been conducted and Pangolin Conservation Action Plan 2018-2022 drafted for the species’ conservation in Nepal.  The action plan has set out four objectives: To enhance the understanding and knowledge on conservation status, ecology and habitat dynamics of pangolin; Curb poaching and control illegal trade in pangolin; Identify and manage priority sites to improve habitat quality for pangolin conservation; and Develop local stewardship for conservation of pangolin. Despite a lack of information to assess effectiveness of the action plan, it would be safe to say that many targets and objectives of the plan have remained unachieved. 

The national survey conducted field verification in the remaining 16 districts, with confirmation made on the basis of the Key Informant Interview and other methods primarily due to limitation of resources. There is a need for field verification of the information thus received. Additionally, as macro-level information is of limited importance at the implementation level, understanding the fine scale conservation biology of species is essential, something which the concerned agencies are yet to realize. Despite growing attention toward pangolins in Nepal, information about the population status of the species is lacking, hindering our ability to carry out conservation interventions such as identification of hotspots for conservation, something which the action plan has stipulated as its third objective.  

Second objective is to curb poaching and control illegal trade in pangolins. Limited information regarding the illegal trade in the species means significant interventions are yet to be made toward the species’ conservation. According to a study conducted by Bishal Sharma, a researcher at the Environment Protection and Study Center (ENPROSC), based on seizure records from district forest offices, a large fraction of confiscation of pangolins and their parts have been made in Kathmandu. This may be an indication of the lack of sufficient personnel to limit trade in other parts of the country primarily due to limited staffing. 

Notably, during a field survey, we made observations of pangolins’ burrows in areas close to the foot trails within the forest and mostly in areas with a moderate level of canopy. Other studies have also observed similar trends, indicating the vulnerability of the species. 

Pangolins were almost unknown nearly two decades ago. However, in the second decade of the 21st century, with growing global concern about the species, awareness is rising in Nepal as well. An increasing number of researchers and conservation biologists working on pangolin conservation and some level of government intervention and media coverage point toward this. 

But growing concerns have also proved to be a curse rather than a boon for the species. Most of the conservation interventions in Nepal are focused on awareness raising, without due understanding of ways to change human behavior toward wildlife. This will amplify threats to the species.

For instance, while visiting a private forest in Dhankuta in 2018, I found a burrow and during interactions, some locals admitted to poaching pangolins for meat. They admitted that local-level exploitation of pangolin had increased after news related to international trade in pangolin started to appear. Similar findings have been reported from other districts in eastern Nepal, where money outweighs the traditional belief in conservation of pangolin. 

On the front of developing local stewardship, limited progress has been made. For example, community-based conservation intervention has been initiated at the Rani community forest in Hetauda of Makwanpur district. Pangolin parks have been established in Hetauda. In 2021, Smriti Dahal, a student at the Department of Environmental Science, Padma Kanya Multiple Campus, Bagbazaar conducted a survey in the area and found that people living near the pangolin parks had better knowledge of the species. Gauri Jaiswal, a student at the Department of Environmental Science, Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus, studied the Rani community forest and found community-based conservation at the forest to be effective. 

However, conservation practices adopted at the forest in question may not be suitable for other pangolin habitats across the country. Furthermore, we have to think about the sustainability of the scheme as pangolins are nocturnal, with a limited scope for connecting them with livelihood through ecotourism and related measures. 

Nonetheless, pangolins are an important element of the ecosystem as they provide ecosystem services by controlling insect populations and excavating burrows, which likely affect soil processes through turnover of organic matter and aeration. Burrows also provide shelter and thermal refugia for a range of commensal taxa. But these ecosystem services are delimited due to anthropogenic influences. Thus, we need to take underpinning action based on the evidence on the field and by connecting conservation action with the socioeconomic and ecological setting of the pangolin and its habitat.

The author is an assistant professor at the Department of Environmental Science, Padma Kanya Multiple Campus

Over the last few days, I have been thinking about the connections and interlinkages between agency, voice, representation of minority groups and the role of leadership in strengthening and reinforcing them.

The trigger was an invitation to participate at a discussion program organized by Rastriya Dalit Network (RDN) Nepal, one of the leading organizations representing Dalit citizens in Nepal during the World Social Forum.

Over the course of the years, as an external observer and practitioner, I have been grappling with questions related to ways that vulnerable groups can emerge.

On the one hand, personal and positive leadership is indispensable and with it also comes a great level of personal accountability. I do believe that leadership is something that is widespread around the society. It does belong to each single individual but the problem is that, too often, it goes untapped, unexplored.

Yet, if you are a citizen belonging to a vulnerable group like Dalits or persons with disabilities, Muslim or citizens belonging to gender minorities or if you are a woman, then, it’s much harder to leverage this innate dimension. But, if certain conditions are in place, conditions that must stem from the wider society, then it can emerge with positive spillover effects.

What am I talking about? Very practical things to start with.

Why not start with better designed and much more substantial scholarships not only at primary levels for Dalit students but throughout the whole educational cycle? What about tailor-made apprenticeship and internship programs that should at least provide decent living stipends?

These are very tangible and, I would argue, also minimalistic measures, in the sense that, if implemented, they would not require astronomical resources nor any legal provision.

At the same time, there should also be a conversation about more systemic initiatives that are as needed as the former but are also more complex to put in place. Why so? Because they would need the buy-in of the whole society, especially the assent of those in or perceived to be in the so-called historically more dominating groups.

For example, a better and stronger proportional system without loopholes, a system that would really provide representations not only to Dalit citizens but also to other marginalized groups. A conversation should also be tabled about stronger quotas, that though imperfect as they can be, they do potentially represent a game-changer tool to create a stronger, fairer level playing field.

As an observer, I do realize not only the complexity of these issues but also their sensitivity. That’s why only a national conversation can pave the way for reasoned, deliberate discussions. Yet these tools, some practical interventions, some other more strictly anchored to the realm of policy making can truly make the difference.

Thanks to them, citizens from vulnerable groups can be more visible, they can be heard and they can be part of the conversation and, consequently, they can contribute to the wider society. We need to be clear on one thing here: There is no automatism, no guarantee of success.

The reason is simple because, as strong as these measures can be, alone they won’t suffice, they won’t be enough.

Here enters the role of leadership and personal accountability. Leadership is about consistent actions that bring positive outcomes but also, as we all know, the same can bring failures. With failures that are inevitable come frustration and with it, the possibility of simply giving up becomes higher and higher.

Yet this grinding process of self-amelioration is the key to personal success.

The society in Nepal is in dire need of having more people from minority groups to be “good” at succeeding because positive achievements bring recognition and respect. Leading through actions does not require only good communication skills or charisma. What is also needed is know-how and expertise and being in a position to put those into practice.

That’s why the tangibles discussed earlier can truly mark a positive difference in what is a positive feeding loop that generates change, first at personal level, then at societal one. In more practical terms: You have to work hard but also you have to have the conditions in place as well if you want to have a shot at life.

But there is another element in this very hypothetical theory of change that could contribute in making Nepal more just.

Here I go back to the discussions related to the World Social Forum. RDN Nepal is organizing a ‘Dalit Parliament’ but this is a misnomer.

The Parliament, obviously, is not a real parliament. It is, instead, a much-needed forum for discussion and debate within the Dalit community. It is mostly a series of one-off events held annually where different groups, different stakeholders address issues and problems and try to find a common ground.

It is an important platform but there is the potential of making it even stronger. This so-called parliament could be structured on much more solid grounds in the form of a permanent, though loose, forum that meets regularly and consistently.

Obviously, we have to be realistic about what such a forum can achieve but having in place a venue where groups, activists but also concerned citizens can freely talk, can be a very positive development.

That’s because it would help bring in a sense of having a collective voice, a voice that would represent different views and opinions but would also enrich the conversation.

This dimension would complement and reinforce the efforts from the wider society and the ones stemming from the single individuals belonging to marginalized groups, helping generate reflections that could lead to change.

The goal would not be to agree on everything but rather having a place where voices are heard and ideas shared. While each group in such a diverse nation like Nepal has its own identity and traditions, ultimately what could help the country achieve more diversity and inclusion is a real national conversation.

Something that is not fragmented and divided by specific features, grievances and negotiating positions but instead is driven by the enriching and common elements, the sum of its parts that pulls the country together.

A recognition by the wider society that it is a common responsibility to make the country more inclusive and diverse, a sense of personal responsibility and willingness to contribute from those lagging behind and more collective voices talking to each other, could truly make Nepal fairer, better and more just society for all.

The author is the co-founder of ENGAGE and of The Good Leadership. Views are personal

Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) aka ‘Sangini Sui’ is a long-acting female contraceptive designed for use in women for birth control, and is not recommended for use in animals.  However, Nepali farmers are rampantly using this female contraceptive injection as a weight booster in the male goat. This unconventional application of MPA as a growth promoter has brought debates owing to its detrimental effects on animal health, human health and the environment. Although MPA is used for estrus synchronization in female goats, this practice in male goats could be detrimental. This article aims to explore the harmful consequences of this practice in sectors such as animal health, human health, and the environment arguing that the side effects of ‘Sangini Sui’ far outweigh the potential benefits to the farmers.

A controversial rise

‘Sangini Sui’ is a  popular injectable contraceptive originally intended for use in women, which contains a synthetic form of human progesterone. Research conducted by Lehloenya and his colleagues in South Africa found an increase in weight after estrus synchronization of the Boer and Nguni female goat with MPA injection. This change in the weight of male goats motivated farmers to use this injection as a growth promoter. This increased weight is supposed to enhance the market value. This trend of the use of MPA as a growth promoter has gained momentum among Nepali farmers in the absence of stringent scientific and regulatory oversight.

An illusion of prosperity

Proponents of the use of MPA as a growth promoter argue that ‘Sangini Sui’ provides economic benefits to farmers by enhancing their returns through weight gains. But weight gain should not overshadow the potentially harmful future consequences on animal health, human health, and the environment. One of the most conspicuous issues regarding the rampant use of  ‘Sangini Sui’ as a growth promoter in male goats is the non-scientific approach to authenticate its efficacy and safety. Also, frequent use and long-term effects on animal health and its residual effects in meat have not been studied yet thereby leaving farmers and consumers in the dark about the potential risks they are undertaking. A study in animals showed immunosuppression in the rabbit injected with the MPA at 30 mg/kg intramuscularly. The hormonal residue from the injected animals can leach into the soil, potentially contaminating groundwater sources and affecting other species in the ecosystem. 

What about animal welfare?

Although the practice of using ‘Sangini Sui’ may enhance the temporary weight gain in animals, it is imperative to consider the issues of the welfare of the animals involved. Injecting MPA into male goats not only affects the hormonal balance in the goat but also causes potential effects altering their physiological behavior along with reproductive issues and disruption in the overall health. The use of MPA disrupts the blood hormonal equilibrium in the male goats suppressing male hormones such as testosterone, leading to harmful physiological events. For instance, a decrease in libido and impaired reproductive function might be noticed. In some cases, it might trigger some harmful effects on the whole endocrine system. Apart from the beneficial effects of weight gain, there could be untoward long-term consequences in male goats thereby diminishing the success of breeding. This may adversely affect the sustainability of goat production in countries such as Nepal. 

Livelihoods at risk

The potentially harmful effects of ‘Sangini Sui’ extend beyond animal health to humans, particularly farmers, who depend on livestock farming for subsistence. At present, ‘Sangini Sui’ as a weight booster in male goats might create a false sense of success for the farmer. However, long-term consequences with an adverse effect on animal health and productivity might lead to financial losses to the farmers, who depend on livestock for their livelihood. In addition, the presence of hormone residues in meat and dairy products poses risks to human health, which are yet to be fully understood. The study conducted by Rath and his colleagues highlighted the adverse effects on human health such as carcinogenesis, endometrial hyperplasia, mammary hyperplasia, and reproductive toxicity through ingestion of residual hormone via meat and milk.

In a nutshell, the practice of using MPA in male goats is a problematic and serious issue, given its adverse effects on animal and human health. Although it may provide short-term economic benefits, the potential long-term effects on animal health, human health, animal welfare and the environment should not be ignored. Moreover, the absence of any rigorous scientific validations and regulatory oversights may worsen health hazards with this practice. All relevant stakeholders such as the policymakers and farmers must aim toward sustainable goat farming rather than imposing any shortcut remedies toward wrong practices that might impact animal health, human health and the whole ecosystem.

The author is a veterinary officer at the Department of Livestock Services

When envisioning pollution, the stark image of towering cylindrical structures belching dark, noxious smoke into the sky often comes to mind—a reality frequently seen in Nepal’s urban landscapes. This portrayal isn't far from the truth, especially with the prevalence of brick kilns, primarily concentrated in the Tarai region and urban centers like the Kathmandu Valley.

Bricks are an indispensable element in construction and various infrastructure projects. The brick industry is burgeoning due to escalating demand from the expanding urban populace and the reconstruction efforts following earthquakes. As per reports by World bank in 2020, Nepal has approximately 1,600 brick kilns that churn out a staggering 5bn bricks annually. Unfortunately, these kilns also pose a severe environmental threat, contributing substantially to pollution. They release about 1.80m tons of carbon dioxide, 302,200 tons of carbon monoxide, 23,300 tons of particulate matter, 15,500 tons of sulfur dioxide, and 6,000 tons of black carbon into the atmosphere.

The impact, however, extends beyond air pollution, sparking concerns about its impact on soil quality and the crops cultivated therein. The fly ash, a byproduct of brick kilns, disperses as an ash slurry onto nearby lands, water bodies, and vegetation, inevitably diminishing soil fertility and reducing crop productivity. 

Moreover, the geographic positioning of brick kilns poses an additional problem. They’re often situated in the midst of highly productive agricultural lands due to their necessity for quality clayey, silty, and loamy soil, resulting in the extraction of fertile topsoil for brick production, rendering the land even less productive.

The loss of soil fertility presents a significant threat to sustainable agriculture. The soil’s pH plays a crucial role in nutrient availability for crops, ideally ranging between 6.5 and 7.5. However, the proximity of brick kilns causes soil acidification due to coal burning and the release of substantial amounts of sulfur dioxide gas, which, upon combining with water, creates sulfuric acid, lowering the pH. Furthermore, the soil's capacity to retain water diminishes, degrading its quality, while organic carbon, pivotal for soil structure, aeration, water retention, and nutrient supply to plants, also declines in the land near the brick kiln than at the far distance from the various research study conducted in South Asia. The bedrock of crop development hinges on the presence of essential nutrients, notably Nitrogen. However, the emissions discharged from brick kilns disrupt the nitrogen cycle, fluctuating the soil nitrification process. This disruption results in a drastic decline in soil fertility and nutrient levels.

Concurrently, a major concern emerges from the toxicity stemming from heavy metal contamination, particularly arsenic, mercury, chromium, and iron. These metals degrade soil quality, significantly diminishing microbial diversity, and ultimately undermining the overall soil health.

The repercussions extend beyond soil degradation, exerting a direct impact on crops. Depositions such as fly ash, sulfur dioxide, and nitrous oxide settle on leaves, reducing the interception of incident light and causing the clogging of stomata. In addition, heavy metal deposition—cadmium, mercury, and lead—has been detected in crops in close proximity to brick kilns, rendering them hazardous for human consumption.

Advocating for the mitigation of brick kiln emissions and their impact on agricultural lands, especially during the peak brick production period from November to May, is imperative due to the heightened intensity of emissions during this time. This period witnessed a surge in brick production to meet the escalating demand for construction materials, exacerbating the environmental and agricultural implications. It is crucial to address this issue now to safeguard Nepal's agricultural landscape and ensure the well-being of its farming communities amidst this crucial production phase. In the context of Nepal, scant research has delved into the impact of brick kiln emissions on agricultural soil quality, and none have scrutinized the impact on crops. Most studies have concentrated solely on the environmental impact of brick kiln emissions, primarily within the Kathmandu Valley, thereby leaving a conspicuous void. Assessing the current hazardous levels in soil quality and heavy metal concentrations in surface soil, assessing their deleterious impacts on crops, and formulating a comprehensive mitigation strategy are areas to dwell upon in future. Acknowledging the far-reaching impact of brick kiln emissions, strict regulation, meticulous monitoring, and further research are imperative to quantify their impact on agricultural crops and soils. Policymakers must act decisively to regulate the establishment of brick kiln industries for conservation of agricultural lands. The need for policy-level development cannot be overstated in ensuring the protection and sustenance of Nepal’s agricultural landscape.