Hard News Story: The Most Trafficked Mammal in the World

For: World Nature Conservation Day (28 July)

“Most trafficked mammals in the World.” Pangolins are more known for this title than they are for their actual name. Throughout the references they reiterate the fact that these animals are trafficked at such high volumes that the message is repeated countless times. BBC says,”Pangolins are said to be the world's most trafficked mammal. All eight species are targeted for their meat and for use in traditional Chinese medicine. At the Cites meeting in South Africa in September 2016…” In WWF,”They certainly are one of the most trafficked mammals in Asia and, increasingly, Africa.”

In CNN,”Some experts say the pangolin is likely the most trafficked mammal in the world... Dan Challender, co-chair of the pangolin specialist group at the International Union for Conservation of Nature and a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Kent.” The illegal poaching of Pangolins have caused the decline of these animals for years, due to their demure nature, there is little to no resistance when capturing them.

The cause of their endangerment lies in the amount of poaching is uncontrollable, National Geographic addresses the multitude of which these animals die,”In two record-breaking seizures in the space of a week in April 2019, Singapore seized a 14.2-ton shipment and and a 14-ton shipment of pangolin scales—from an estimated 72,000 pangolins—coming from Nigeria.”

The Pangolin is consumed in multiple ways,” All eight species are targeted for their meat and for use in traditional Chinese medicine.” According to BBC. This message correlates with WWF,”Pangolins are in high demand in countries like China and Vietnam. Their meat is considered a delicacy and pangolin scales are used in traditional medicine and folk remedies.”

There are false beliefs that the pangolin meat and scales possess healing properties, according to the Pangolin Specialist Group,” Despite a lack of evidence suggesting they’re effective, pangolin scales are used as an ingredient in traditional Asian medicine to help breast feeding women lactate milk, to cure ailments ranging from asthma and psoriasis to cancer, and to improve blood circulation.”

Ultimately there is a demand for Pangolin meat and its scales which is causing the untimely demise of these innocent creatures. According to Save Pangolins, they offer three main actions that could save these animals. The first way would be,”Tell your friends and family about pangolins. In recent years, more people around the world have learned about pangolins and the threats to them. This has directly led to more support for policy reform, scientific research, and more conservation efforts. You can help by spreading the word about pangolins and how they’re in trouble.” The second solution are both in reference to consumption,”Refuse food containing pangolin meat. No pangolin medicine, no pangolin wine, no pangolin jewelry, no pangolin scales or leather.” The last solution that would be the best way to stop the poaching of pangolins is to contact authorities if you witness illegal activity,”If you see pangolins and other illegal wildlife in restaurants or other business establishments, contact your local authorities or one of the numbers below.”

Do your part, more information at https://www.savepangolins.org/help