The pangolin is one unique creature in the animal kingdom, characterized by large keratin scales covering the entirety of its body. Commonly known as the “scaly anteater” in the tropical regions of Africa and Asia from which it hails. The pangolin has a long snout and even longer tongue, used to scoop insects out of their burrows. But while their unique scales protect them from predators in their natural habitat, they also make them a prime target for exploitation by humans.
Pangolin have long been hunted for food in remote areas of Africa. The believed medicinal qualities, and a taste for their meat in Asian countries, have led to near decimation of at least two of the eight extant species. All eight species of pangolin are listed as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with two listed as critically endangered, just one classification below extinct.
An international ban on the trade of pangolin has done little to protect the species from exploitation, as the black market for pangolin continues to thrive. Most recently, a Chinese vessel that ran aground on the Philippines’ Tubbataha Reef was discovered to contain more than 22,000 lbs of frozen pangolin, but multiple seizures over the last few decades have recovered tons of the dead animals en route to Asian countries where their meat, scales, skin, and even blood are used in various medicinal and culinary preparations. Despite efforts to protect the species across the globe, the pangolin is considered the most illegally traded mammal in the world.
Deforestation, development, and degradation of existing habitat are all threats the pangolin faces outside of poaching. With little public and government awareness of even its existence makes tracking the illegal trade extremely difficult. Since the few attempts at rescue and rehabilitation in captivity have mostly resulted in death shortly thereafter due to limited knowledge about its life and habits, truly a dire situation.
Related article: USFWS Upgrades Endangered Species List
Featured Image from Louis Mornaud/Unsplash
