Local people are lured by traders into killing the endangered species to make a fast buck, they said, informing that smugglers have been supplying the animal part via Basantapur to India and Tibet of late.

The authorities concerned, however, remain in the dark though the animal part is being smuggled from various villages in the districts.

In condition of anonymity, a youth from Tamaphok in Sankhuwasabha said the pangolin scales fetch Rs 15,000 to 45,000 per kilogram in local market. "Pangolins were found in plenty in the past but their number is decreasing due to smuggling of late," he said.

According to a source, the animal part is sold hush-hush in Mudhesanischare, Basantapur, Chauki, Mangalbare and Gupha areas.

Ganesh Sen, vice-chairperson of the Community Forest Users Nepal in Tehrathum, pangolins are on the verge of extinction due to the illegal trade.

Meanwhile, Laxman Tiwari, coordinator of the National Laligurans Conservation Management Committee, said he heard rumours about people in the Tinjure-Milke-Jaljale area smuggling pangolins and other wild animals and birds, including deer, rabbit and Kalij pheasant.

Though one can see more than a dozen smugglers armed with guns and nets going around forest, concerned authorities have not taken any initiative to control them.

The source claimed that traders from other districts too have started reaching the area with the help of local agents to buy pangolin scales.