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https://theconversation.com/pangolins-in-africa-expert-unpacks-why-millions-have-been-traded-illegally-and-what-can-be-done-about-it-223878>
"Pangolins are fascinating creatures known for their unique appearance and
distinctive scales. They are mammals belonging to the order
Pholidota and are
native to Africa and Asia. Due to their primary diet of ants and termites,
pangolins are often referred to as “scaly anteaters”.
The African pangolin species are dispersed throughout southern, western,
central and east Africa.
Pangolins face rapid declines across Asia and Africa, with all eight species
classified as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered. They are
threatened by poaching and habitat loss, driven by the demand for their meat
and scales.
Pangolins are the most trafficked wild mammal in the world. Their meat is
considered a delicacy in Asia while their scales are also used in traditional
medicines, fetching huge sums on the black market. As many as 8.5 million
pangolins are estimated to have been removed from the wild in west and central
Africa for the illegal trade between 2014 and 2021.
The trade route analysis of pangolin trafficking points to Lagos as the main
connection point both domestically and worldwide, including south-east Asian
countries. Malaysia, Laos and Singapore also serve as key transit countries for
pangolin-scale shipments from Nigeria.
China and Vietnam are the main destinations for these illegal shipments.
I am a zoologist who’s passionate about the environment and biodiversity
conservation. I am also the founder and chair of Pangolin Conservation Guild
Nigeria. In my view, effective protection, law enforcement and changes in
consumer behaviour are necessary to address the complex drivers of poaching and
trafficking."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
