A shy, secretive, reptile-like mammal that lives in Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains is under threat. Hunted for its scales which are used for medicine, the native Sunda pangolin has now been placed on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s endangered list, with serious concerns about its future.

However, an innovative community-based conservation programme run by Conservation International is helping to not only safeguard this rare scaly mammal, but also combat logging and other forms of deforestation in the region.

From extensive anti-poaching patrols to financing agricultural equipment to give locals an alternative livelihood, the programme is already showing signs of success.

Nidhi Dutt travels to Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains to join rangers as they combat poaching and to witness the release of a pangolin back into the wild.