Can local knowledge help uncover the hidden lives of elusive wildlife? Focusing on pangolins in Assam, this study explores how Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) and community-held environmental values can inform the conservation of cryptic and threatened species. Drawing on insights from forest-dwelling communities, the research demonstrates that LEK is a powerful tool for detecting species that are otherwise difficult to monitor, with experience and age shaping recognition. At the same time, prevailing values linked to hunting and trade reveal complex conservation challenges. By bridging ecological knowledge with human values, this study highlights the need for more inclusive and context-sensitive approaches to conserving cryptic and threatened species.
