190-Year-Old Museum DNA Unlocks Hidden Himalayan Pangolin Species
A team of scientists has confirmed what may be a new-to-science pangolin species hiding in the Himalayas, using genetic material from a museum specimen collected nearly two centuries ago.
The study analyzed DNA from pangolin samples held in natural history collections, including one specimen dating back approximately 190 years. By comparing ancient genetic material with modern samples collected from wild populations in Nepal and northern India, researchers identified distinct genetic markers that set these animals apart from other known pangolin species.
Pangolins are among the world's most trafficked mammals, prized for their scales and meat. The discovery of a separate Himalayan species could give conservationists a powerful new tool: the ability to trace seized scales and other illegal products back to their specific species and geographic origin, strengthening efforts to combat poaching networks targeting particular regions.
The findings highlight how museum collections—often dismissed as historical artifacts—can serve as critical resources for modern conservation science, particularly as DNA sequencing technologies become more advanced and cost-effective.