Why is pangolin endangered?

Why are pangolins endangered? Pangolins are hunted for meat, for use in traditional medicine and as fashion accessories, particularly in China and Vietnam. The large-scale illegal trade in Asian pangolins is drastically driving down their numbers, and pangolin trafficking is now huge (and illegal) business.

When was the pangolin listed as endangered?

Giant pangolin: From Vulnerable to Endangered The giant pangolin (Smutsia gigantea) was categorised as Vulnerable in 2013, but is now categorised as Endangered.

What will happen if pangolins go extinct?

If pangolins go extinct, there would be a cascading impact on the environment. “Pangolins save us millions of dollars a year in pest destruction. These shy creatures provide a vital service and we cannot afford to overlook their ecological role as natural controllers of termites and ants.”

Why are Indian pangolin endangered?

The Indian pangolin is threatened by poaching for its meat and scales, which are used and consumed by local people, but are also increasingly traded internationally. Various parts of the pangolin are valued as sources of food and medicine. The scales are used as an aphrodisiac, or made into rings or charms.

How are pangolins being protected?

All eight species of pangolin are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the highest level of international law.

Why is the pangolin trafficked?

Pangolins — two species of which are endangered and all of which are protected by international treaty — are trafficked by the thousands for their scales, which are boiled off their bodies for use in traditional medicine; for their meat, which is a high-end delicacy here and in China; and for their blood, which is …

How much is a pangolin worth?

Pangolin sells for as much as $350 per kilo. “You find pangolins, and I’ll give you money.” That’s what Ruslan, 58, says he was told by a wildlife trader from out of town. Pangolins are traded by the ton, frozen and alive.

Are pangolins being saved?

In 2016, pangolins gained the highest levels of protection under the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) with the decision to uplist all 8 species to Appendix I. International trade in pangolins for commercial purposes is prohibited by law.

Why is the pangolin the most trafficked animal?

Pangolins are believed to be the world’s most trafficked mammal, accounting for as much as 20\% of all illegal wildlife trade. The animals are trafficked mainly for their scales, which are believed to treat a variety of health conditions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and as a luxury food in Vietnam and China.

How can we save pangolins from extinction?

Report illegal activity if you see pangolin trafficking, sale or consumption in restaurants or business establishments. Contact your local authorities or conservation groups who will be able to offer advice. This will ensure that trafficking laws can be properly enforced and endangered populations are guarded.

Why the pangolin is so highly trafficked?

Why is pangolin the most trafficked mammal in the world?

How you can help pangolins?

Donate. You can donate online and know that your donation goes directly to pangolin conservation where it is needed most.

Are pangolins dangerous?

Researcher Wendy Panaino answers some questions about pangolin. Pangolins are not dangerous at all. They do not have teeth to bite, and do not use their claws in defense. When they are threatened by a predator, they will generally curl up into a ball to protect their bellies which are not covered with scales.

Are pangolins extinct?

Pangolins are a truly remarkable group of mammals, which have lived on our planet for over 80 million years. All pangolins belong to the order of Pholidota . Though many pangolin species have already become extinct, eight separate species remain – four which live in Africa and four which live in Asia.

What are pangolins poached for?

Pangolins are commercially poached because their scales can be used in traditional medicine, as fashion accessories and eaten as a high-end cuisine. “The threat is significant and escalating,” said Flocken, who also is a member of the IUCN Pangolin Specialist Group.