The demand for pangolin’s body parts, mainly its scales, is high in China and neighbouring South East Asian nations to prepare traditional medicines.

District Forest Officer Ganesh Raya said pangolin are found in various forests in Kavre and admitted to the increase in illegal trade of the animal’s body parts.

“Its body parts are in high demand in countries like China and Vietnam,” he said.

As a result of pangolin poaching, conservationists have expressed concern that the population of the endangered mammal could be further threatened.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Rajkumar KC said they arrested three persons on the charge of smuggling pangolin in the past three years.