Rare Indian pangolin rescued near Mettur dam

A rare Indian pangolin, often mistakenly referred to as an anteater, was safely rescued after it was spotted roaming along the right bank of the Mettur Dam here and later released into the forest by officials of the Water Resources Department and the Forest
Department.
Forest areas under the Mettur Reserve in Salem district are home to several wild animals and birds, including elephants, deer, bears, monkeys and wild dogs.
The region also shelters rare species such as otters, pangolins and uncommon birds.
Forest officials said wild animals frequently stray out of forest limits in search of food and water and move towards nearby human settlements.
Such instances are promptly handled by the Forest Department, which rescues the animals and releases them back into their natural habitat.
The sighting of the Indian pangolin, an endangered species protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, is considered extremely rare in the Mettur Dam
area.
The pangolin is found in plains and hilly regions and is known for its elongated
body, long tail and pointed snout.
Its body is covered with hard, overlapping scales that act as a protective shield, and it curls into a tight ball when threatened.
On Wednesday, the pangolin was seen swimming near the right bank of the dam and later reaching the
shore.
Water Resources Department staff immediately alerted Forest Department officials, who arrived at the spot, safely rescued the animal and released it into the Palamalai forest
area.