KATHMANDU, JUNE 8 Leading scientists, conservationists and government officials from across South Asia have gathered in Kathmandu for a regional conference aimed at strengthening efforts to protect pangolins, one of the world's most trafficked mammals. The five-day event, titled 'Pangolin Conservation in South Asia', seeks to enhance regional cooperation and formulate a shared conservation roadmap for the species over the next 25 years. Participants from six South Asian range countries are attending the programme. The conference is jointly organised by the IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group, the South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN) and Greenhood Nepal. Of the world's eight pangolin species, two-the Chinese pangolin and the Indian pangolin-are found in South Asia, including Nepal. Both species face growing threats from poaching, illegal wildlife trade and habitat loss. Speaking at the event, Director General of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Buddhi Sagar Paudel stressed the need for cross-border collaboration to combat wildlife crime. 'Illegal wildlife trade does not recognise national boundaries, and neither should conservation efforts,' he said, describing pangolins as the world's most trafficked mammals and calling for science-based policymaking to address the crisis. Keri Parker, co-chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission's Pangolin Specialist Group, said there is still much to learn about pangolins, including their diversity and evolution across South and Southeast Asia. Greenhood Nepal Director Kumar Paudel said the Kathmandu gathering provides an important platform for knowledge-sharing and advocacy, noting that effective action against poaching and illegal trade requires cooperation beyond national borders. Pangolins are nocturnal mammals known for their protective scales and distinctive feeding habits. They play an important ecological role by controlling ant and termite populations and inhabit forests, grasslands and agricultural landscapes. Organisers said the conference is expected to strengthen scientific collaboration, boost regional conservation efforts and help shape a long-term strategy for safeguarding pangolins across South Asia.