Pangolins to be protected

Endangered Species Act. These strange, scaly animals are from Asia or Africa and are considered the most trafficked mammals in the world. They are hunted for meat and scales, and if the act gets approved, shipping parts of pangolins will become illegal in the US.

Although Pangolins do not live in the U.S, the Endangered Species Act allows the government to protect animals from other countries. These protections will help stop American companies or individuals from being part of the illegal pangolin trade. It could also allow the U.S. to support conservation efforts in the countries where pangolins live, though funding cuts from Donald Trump will probably make that harder.

Pangolin parts are used in traditional medicine, mostly in China, where people think that pangolin scales have healing powers. But, scientists say that there is no medical proof that they have healing powers. Their meat is also eaten as a delicacy in some places like Asia. Even though international trade of pangolins has been banned since 2017 by the CITES treaty, people still illegally trade them.

Conservation groups like the Center for Biological Diversity were asking the US to make stronger laws protecting pangolins. “If we want countries like China to shut down their pangolin markets, the U.S. needs to show leadership,” said Sarah Uhlemann, the group’s international program director. The new proposal will close a loophole in the U.S. that lets some older pangolin parts still be sold.

Pangolins became more popular in recent years by appearing in children’s books, movies, and stuffed animals. This public interest could help bring more support to their protection. A 60-day comment period has now started, where people can share their opinions on the proposal. After that, officials will decide whether to give pangolins full endangered status, which could help save them from extinction.