KORBA, July 4. Listed among the rare species, a pangolin in the district died after being hit by some vehicle while crossing a road. The accident took place on Pali main road, near the office of forest department, on Sunday.
The forests of Korba and Katghora house several rare species of animals. One of these animals, a pangolin reached the populated area on Sunday morning, searching for food. However, it lost its life after being hit by some unknown vehicle. The accident took place early in the morning. Later, when people started coming out of their houses, they saw the animals lying on road side and reported the matter to forest department. The road has dense forest on both sides and wild animals cross the road sometimes. Also, the road is frequented by small and large vehicles carrying coal and many times, animals such as deer or others are hit by these vehicles. The situation calls for a speed limit on the road, so that the animals do not lose their lives. Several other districts have banned the passage of four wheelers on roads frequented by wild animals, in night.
Pangolin is listed among rare wild animals. Bearing the appearance of a lizard, it comes under the category of mammals and is among the most smuggled animals. It is counted amongst endangered species and is listed under Annexure-I of Forest Conservation Act 1972. Any person found to be smuggling a pangolin may be sentenced to five year imprisonment.
