Jammu, July 13 -- Troops of the Gigrial Battalion of Indian Army rescued a pangolin, a highly endangered species, along the Indo-Pak International Border (IB) in Akhnoor sector of Jammu district, said officials on Saturday.

"The troops of Gigrial battalion successfully rescued a pangolin, one of the world's most endangered and heavily trafficked mammals," said a defence spokesperson.

During routine patrolling in a forward area, the soldiers spotted the rare creature, vulnerable and far from its natural habitat, he added. Recognising the ecological importance of the pangolin and the threats it faces due to illegal wildlife trafficking, the troops responded with swift and responsible action.

"With utmost care, the animal was safely secur...