Pangolins are trafficked all over Africa and Asia

Animal trafficking is one of the most harmful and traumatic things that can be done to animals. Pangolins, the most adorable, scaled creatures of the wild, have recently been categorized as the most trafficked animal in the world. Although experts describe pangolins as “fascinating”, “charismatic”, and “gentle”, many poachers still target these unique species because of their valuable scales.

Pangolins live in tropical habitats, savannas, and mostly in tropical areas in Asia and Africa. They live secluded from others of their kind. Since 2000, over a million pangolins have been poached; experts estimate that around 2.7 million pangolins are poached annually. They only reproduce one or two offspring every time they give birth, so poaching has contributed to the mass decline of their population. Right now, experts estimate there are only 50,000 pangolins left.

This unusual animal’s unique scales are made of keratin and are used in traditional medicines. Additionally, Pangolins are also believed to help with lactation and swelling. Similar to many expensive foods, the pangolin’s scales are included in some expensive dishes.

According to the Endangered Species Act, the government must sanction the decision to protect endangered species. Currently, in the U.S, president Trump aims to weaken the Endangered Species Act and other acts that contribute to the healthiness of the environment; but the U.S’s listing already strengthened some of the restrictions Already the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora agreed that the trade of pangolins should be illegal.

Sarah Uhlemann, the international director of the director of the Center for Biological Diversity, a program that sued and petitioned for the pangolins to be listed on the Endangered Species list commented that “Being a leader in absolutely closing our domestic market as we’re asking China to close their domestic market sure seems wise”.

The effect of pangolins on the public is certainly visible, as Ms. Uhlemann claimed that “They were virtually unknown 15 years ago, and now my kids have stuffies of them and they’re showing up in Disney movies,”. The actions taken by citizens and many organizations have certainly decreased the international trade of pangolins, experts claimed, but still, the smuggling of pangolins has continued.