Out of 8 extant species of the Pangolins known, the Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) is categorized as Endangered by IUCN and is included in Appendix I of CITES. They are also the most trafficked species in the illegal wildlife trade for their secret hunting of meat & Keratin scales across countries. Their massacre is due to the demand for its scales used as an aphrodisiac agent in traditional Chinese medicines. But, no scientific evidence supports these myths. Illicit trade for its scales and meat operational in the Konkan region, which has been noticed, In July’15, 44 kg of Pangolin scales were confiscated in Chiplun and through repeated incidences. Very little data available about species ecology and the species has stayed neglected regarding awareness, law, and scientific investigation in the region. Trafficking incidences and the absence of valid scientific information on species ecology in the Konkan region prompted SNM to forge pangolin conservation activity to protect the existing population in wild through community participation in Sindhudurg District, Konkan region of Maharashtra, India. SNM begin with its pioneer work, due to limited resources, Chiplun block of Ratnagiri district with 165 villages was selected for a questionnaire survey through which identify the probable activity pockets. The survey revealed low-level awareness in villagers about species and severity. Education and awareness activities were carried in villages regular meetings with villagers local community, tribal community, workshop and training for villagers and frontline staff. During this interaction, we came across local forest dweller and tribal who helped us tracking species burrows through their traditional knowledge. A camera trap study was initiated to document species present status. So far, 75 incidences of Pangolin activities were captured at 17 locations have been recorded and the work is still on. To raise the conservation SNM to celebrate “World pangolin day” to outreach mass awareness. Meanwhile, the Pangolin presence was also recorded through scat in the regions of Kosbi & Parchuri villages in Ratnagiri district. Scat analysis revealed Seven Ant species which is identified by the Ant expert Dr. Himender Bharti of Ant Systematics and Molecular Biology Lab, Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, Punjabi University Patiala. 

The project now aims to up-scale its conservation efforts for the Indian Pangolin in conservation through community participation in Ratnagiri District, Konkan region of Maharashtra, India. The theoretical framework will be undertaken by considering the CAP drafted by the IUCN-SSC’s Pangolin Specialist Group. The CAP has stressed the need for understanding the Pangolin strongholds as well as its home range, movement, and spatial and temporal movement in so-called ‘Pangolin hot-spots’ on a very high priority. It also highlights the need for effectively protecting the healthy Pangolin populations in the wild. It also urges to educate the local communities and gain their support for the Pangolin conservation.

• In Ratnagiri district, 955 villages were educated and sensitized about wildlife and wildlife protection act. 
• 7 workshops were conducted for frontline law enforcement agencies and communities about wildlife acts and species to fill up the communication gap.
• Educated and sensitized 30 schools teachers and students in the region. Distributed 2758 Pictorial storybooks on Indian Pangolin in Educational institute across Ratnagiri district which reaches approximately 7500 students every year.
• Introduced chapter in English textbook of 7th standard on India Pangolin in school curriculum reaching 1.6 million students every year in Maharashtra.
• A short documentary in local languages on Indian Pangolin to outreach mass awareness and gain community support for the conservation.
• 40 Camera traps deployed on field to monitor and to study species ecology and distribution across the region.
• 8000 camera day’s 80 photos and videos of the species across 6 blocks of Ratnagiri regularly monitored and collected ecology data of the species.
• Scat analysis revealed 7 ant species as a prey preference of pangolin.
• In 2018-2019 the region witnessed 12 pangolins rescued by the local community and released into the wild in collaboration with the forest department.
• Alternate livelihood training such as Beekeeping and Ecotourism homestay and Nature guide to enhancing the skills of the local community for better livelihood.