More Pangolin Types Receiving Endangered Protection

Pangolins are scale-covered critters that are believed to be one of the most trafficked animals in the world. On Monday, the federal officials said that pangolins should be included under the Endangered Species Act.

Although one might think that they are reptilian because of their scales, they are actually mammals that are strangely adorable. They are native to Africa and Asia; nevertheless, the government is required by the Endangered Species Act to protect the species whether it is in the United States or not. If the Endangered Species Act is approved, the import and export of the animal would be prohibited, including hunting and commercial activity.

One species of pangolin is already protected, and the proposal would add 7 more. Since pangolins’ natural defense mechanism is to roll up inside their protective shell until the predator leaves, this makes them prime prey for poachers looking to make an easy nab. Though pangolin scales have been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years, research has shown that it does not have any medicinal properties. However, since it is not strictly banned, some beg to differ as trafficking still occurs illegally.

Furthermore, President Trump has recently been making moves to weaken this act and other policies that benefit the environment. The ability to protect these animals, therefore, has been questioned due to the funding cuts under the Trump Administration.

Conservationists say that it would be legally indefensible to prove that pangolins shouldn’t be included in the Endangered Species Act.

International trade of pangolins is already prohibited through the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and the agreement known as CITES. Sarah Uhlemann, the international program director at the Center for Biological Diversity, says that the current proposal would tighten restrictions even further, bringing an end to the trade of older pangolin parts in the US. Her group is one of the many that are petitioning for this listing.

Although the situation for pangolin populations isn’t exactly looking up currently, they are slowly gaining more recognition.

Now, a 60-day comment period for this rule will start on Tuesday, after which for 60 days before the decisions will be made.