A statement by CPI(M) central committee member AK Balan suggesting that “the Election Commission will assign symbols like pangolin and octopus if it loses its status as a national party” has ignited controversy. As the Lok Sabha elections loom closer, AK Balan’s remarks have stirred political debates and drawn online trolling.
Balan’s comment has thrust the pangolin into the spotlight, even becoming a topic of discussion on news channels. AK Balan’s portrayal of the pangolin as a small, insignificant animal has been met with criticism, as those familiar with pangolins recognize their significance. Here are some facts about these unique creatures:
Pangolins primarily feed on ants, so they are also known as scaly anteaters. These unique creatures inhabit a diverse range of habitats, spanning from forests and grasslands to tropical climates and dense brush. Typically, pangolins are found in areas abundant with ants and termites, which satisfy their large appetite for insects.
Ground-dwelling pangolins often create deep burrows for sleeping and nesting, some large enough for a human to enter and stand up. Pangolins come in various sizes, with the giant pangolin being the largest, weighing an average of 33kg. Other species, such as the Indian pangolin and the ground pangolin, range from 12-13kg.
Despite their ecological significance, pangolins face severe threats due to human demand for their parts and meat. This demand has fueled an illegal wildlife trade estimated to be worth billions of dollars, making pangolins the most trafficked mammal globally. Pangolin scales are highly sought after in traditional Asian medicine, and their blood is used in tonics. World Pangolin Day is celebrated on February 20th to raise awareness about their conservation.
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