Camera traps set up by the Wildlife Institute of India in the Riat Laban and Laitkor reserve forests on Shillong's urban fringe have recorded a critically endangered Chinese pangolin for the first time. This sighting is significant not only because of the presence of a threatened species but also because it highlights the importance of peri-urban forests as wildlife habitats. These forests, often overlooked, provide vital shelter for animals facing habitat loss and fragmentation. The Chinese pangolin, listed as Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List since 2014, is a nocturnal insectivore that feeds on insects. Its body is covered in overlapping scales, which offer little protection against human threats. Pangolins are widely recognized as the most trafficked mammals in the world, making their survival a major conservation concern. The camera-trap record is an important starting point for further monitoring, as systematic information about the species' population and distribution across parts of Northeast India remains limited. The finding also underscores the value of peri-urban forests in sustaining a diverse range of wildlife, including species that may otherwise go unnoticed. The Wildlife Institute of India has described these forests as harbouring a remarkably unique and diverse assemblage of wildlife, including the Large Indian Civet, Leopard Cat, Masked Palm Civet, Yellow-throated Marten, Indian Crested Porcupine, and Kalij Pheasant. Protecting these forests will require recognizing them as wildlife habitats, not simply undeveloped land around a city. The discovery of the Chinese pangolin in these forests highlights the need to protect these often-overlooked habitats and recognize their importance in sustaining biodiversity. By doing so, we can help ensure the survival of species like the Chinese pangolin and preserve the unique ecosystems they inhabit.