The rediscovery of a Himalayan pangolin species, Manis aurita, is a testament to the power of historical records and modern scientific collaboration. This story begins with Brian Hodgson, a British diplomat and naturalist, who encountered a peculiar creature in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley in 1836. Hodgson's detailed description of the animal's distinct features, including its external ears and unusually high number of scales, led him to name it Manis auritus. However, the name was eventually demoted to a subspecies and forgotten by modern databases and conservation lists.
Fast forward to the 2010s, and a team of Chinese researchers led by Jiang-Yong Hu was sequencing DNA from pangolin scales seized from smugglers. They discovered a distinct genetic lineage labeled 'MPB' that did not match any recorded species. Around the same time, Narayan Prasad Koju, a researcher in Nepal, was studying pangolins and found genetic differences between Nepali and Chinese pangolins. These two threads eventually converged when Kai He, a biologist, compared gene sequences from Nepal with MPB sequences from Myanmar, revealing a match.
The team, now spanning 20 researchers from 12 institutions in seven countries, embarked on a five-year project to gather hard evidence. They extracted DNA from museum specimens, collected full genomes and mitochondrial DNA, and measured skulls and skins. The results confirmed that the MPB lineage is genetically distinct from the Chinese pangolin and other known species, and that Hodgson's description was not just a quirky individual but representative of a distinct species.
However, the naming of the species was not without controversy. Another group of researchers led by Lenrik Konchok Wangmo published a paper describing a new species, Manis indoburmanica, based on mitochondrial DNA from confiscated scales. The debate simmered, with the priority of the oldest valid name being a key issue. Ultimately, Hodgson's original name, Manis aurita, was restored, and the species was officially named the Himalayan pangolin.
The rediscovery of the Himalayan pangolin has significant implications for conservation. South Asia now has three pangolin species, each with different ranges, threats, and genetic profiles. The Chinese pangolin is already critically endangered, and the Himalayan pangolin is likely to qualify for the same status due to its limited range and heavy pressure from illegal trade. The study also highlights the importance of genetic diversity, with the Kathmandu Valley population showing unusually high levels of inbreeding.
In conclusion, the rediscovery of the Himalayan pangolin is a testament to the power of historical records and modern scientific collaboration. It also highlights the importance of genetic diversity and the need for conservation efforts to protect this vulnerable species. The story of Manis aurita serves as a reminder that even long-forgotten observations can have profound implications for our understanding of the natural world.
