The National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) has started a pangolin census at Rani Community Forest in Chaughada of Hetauda-6, Makwanpur. The census is being carried out with the involvement of the community forest users’ group. 

NTNC Director Shiva Kumar Wagle said they were applying camera trap method to count the number of endangered mammals. Thirty cameras have been installed to count the pangolin population in the forest. 

The census will also be conducted at Chuchchekhola, Neurepani Chisapani and Ashok community forests. Two years ago, the NTNC had conducted pangolin census in five community forests of Hetauda. Only 10 pangolins were counted at the time. Representatives of Rani Community Forest say there are at least 18 pangolins in the area these days. They had formed a committee to conserve pangolin population 11 years ago. (PR)