Quote:
Unfortunately, pangolins are the most frequently encountered mammal in Asia’s illegal wildlife trade. It is not uncommon for police and customs authorities to seize hundreds, or even thousands, of pangolins in a single incident. The primary destination for pangolin scales and flesh is mainland China; pangolin parts are consumed in Vietnam as well. Scales are erroneously believed to have medicinal properties, and the flesh and fetuses are eaten as delicacies.
Quite literally tons of pangolins are taken out of Southeast Asia’s rainforests every year, with the hardest hit species being the Sunda pangolin. Dr. Chris Shepherd, Regional Director of TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, explains that “tens of thousands of pangolin hunters†are at work every day.
[...]
Public awareness about pangolins also appears to be on the rise. These endearing mammals were celebrated on February 15 — the third annual World Pangolin Day.
Quite literally tons of pangolins are taken out of Southeast Asia’s rainforests every year, with the hardest hit species being the Sunda pangolin. Dr. Chris Shepherd, Regional Director of TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, explains that “tens of thousands of pangolin hunters†are at work every day.
[...]
Public awareness about pangolins also appears to be on the rise. These endearing mammals were celebrated on February 15 — the third annual World Pangolin Day.
Apparently, rolling up into a ball is not the perfect defense.