A coalition of wildlife groups ( Born Free USA, the Center for Biological Diversity, Humane Society International, The Humane Society of the United States, and the International Fund for Animal Welfare) has petitioned the U.S. government today to designate seven species of pangolins as “Endangered” under the U. S. Endangered Species Act. The groups are also seeking protection for pangolins under the Act’s “similarity of appearance” provision.
Small and scaly, pangolins are the world’s most illegally trafficked mammal and in danger of extinction.
“Many people have never heard of pangolins, yet, they are one of the most sought after and poached wild animals in the world,” said Jeff Flocken, North American Regional Director for the International Fund for Animal Welfare.
Pangolins are also known as anteaters and have scales made out of keratin- the same keratin found in human hair and nails. They eat mostly ants and termites. “Pangolins range in length from 3 to 6 ft (90–180 cm) including the long, broad tail. Their snouts are narrow and pointed. The body is low to the ground and is covered with large, triangular, overlapping scales on the back, the sides, the outer sides of the limbs, and the entire tail. The belly is covered with sparse hair. When threatened, the animal rolls into a ball and erects the scales, points upward, so that it resembles a large pinecone.” They are elusive mammals which is probably why most people haven’t heard of this little known endangered species.
Watch the following video to learn more about this nocturnal mammal.
Most illegally sourced pangolins are destined for markets in China and Vietnam, but demand for pangolins in the United States remains significant. At least 26,000 imports of pangolin products were seized in the United States between 2004 and 2013.
“These little known species are critical to their ecosystem, but they could go extinct before most people even hear of them'” according to Adam Roberts, CEO of Born Free USA and the Born Free Foundation.
It is estimated more than 960,000 pangolins were illegally traded over the past decade. Their populations are severely dwindling because of the ever-increasing demand for their meat and scales. According to East Asian medicine, these two parts are believed to have curative properties.
If protection is granted under the Endangered Species Act, the import and interstate sale of all pangolins and pangolin parts would be prohibited in the United States, unless such activity can be shown to promote the conservation of the species.
“If we don’t act now, demand for pangolin parts will wipe this extraordinary, odd and beautiful animal off the map,” said Sarah Uhlemann, international program director for the Center for Biological Diversity. “The United States must do its part to shut down trade in pangolin scales.”
“Illegal and detrimental international trade in pangolins and their parts is increasing at an alarming rate,” said Dr. Teresa Telecky, director of the Wildlife Department of Humane Society International. “It is essential that the United States provide the highest level of legal protection to these imperiled pangolin species, end consumption of pangolins and their parts in this country, and encourage other countries to follow suit.”
Pangolins are invincible in the wild. Man is its only threat!
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Wow this is actually quite fascinating to read. I’ve never heard of pangolins, let alone knowing they’re endangered. what is wrong with all these people who want to kill animals for their body parts? there is no respect for life. this isn’t about hunting it’s about poaching. I think we should start poaching people. Kidding.