They regulate termite colonies, protect ecosystems, aerate the soil and are indispensable to biodiversity conservation. Despite this, pangolins have emerged as the most ‘illegally trafficked mammal’ over the last decade.All eight species of the pangolins are facing threats of extinction with India home to two —Indian Pangolin called the Manis crassicaudata and Chinese Pangolin called M. pentadactyla.On World Pangolin Day today, calls are being made across countries to save the mammal which plays a crucial role in ecosystems.Research says that by monitoring these indicator species, we get a gauge of the health of the environment in which many live. “Protecting pangolins also safeguards the biodiversity of their habitats, which are rich ecosystems crucial for maintaining healthy flora, insect life and soils. These elements are vital for a balanced ecosystem, which in turn supports human health, food security and mitigates the impacts of climate change,” experts suggest.In India, the pangolins face threats from hunters and poachers who seek them out for local consumptive use, sometimes as a source of protein and sometimes traditional medicine. Internationally these delicate creatures are hunted for meat and scales.Particular demand hubs are in East and South East Asian countries, mainly China and Vietnam.On World Pangolin Day, several Indian Forest Officer leaders issued appeals to save the mammal. One of the appeals said “Unharmful, shy but still millions are hunted and trafficked across Asia and Africa. All eight species of pangolins are under threat for their use in medicines. It is #WorldPangolinDay for raising awareness.”Pangolins are anteaters and an important part of our ecosystem. The Indian pangolin is found across India and is now endangered.”Scales are used in traditional medicines mistakenly for ailments and reducing impotency,” said an IFS officer online.Community-level efforts are also underway to save the mammal. For example, the apex body of the Sangtam Naga Community (Nagaland) has passed a grassroots resolution to protect pangolins found in Kiphire and Tuensang districts in collaboration with Wildlife Conservation Trust of India.Pangolins are trafficked along the entire 1,643-km India- Myanmar border.