This development may come as a surprise to many people across the globe but the ant and termite-eating pangolin has long been persecuted by poachers, traffickers and illegal traders. These shy creatures, which are covered in scales and project a cone-like appearance, are usually found in Asia and Africa.
Very recently, a US agency has considered providing greater protection to pangolins under the Endangered Species Act. Thousands of these animals are being killed annually. The animal's body parts are a huge attraction in various black markets. In many parts of Asia, the pangolin's meat is a delicacy. The blood is processed dry in order to turn into potions and aphrodisiacs. The keratin-made scales are manufactured into jewelries.
A pangolin's meat costs around $350 per kilo. The kilogram of scales will amount to about $1,000.
Researchers are clueless about the number of pangolins in the wild. At the current rate of poaching, it is inevitable that the mammal's population is shrinking faster than many observers think. Considering that there is no defined mating season, the proliferation of the species can be difficult. Pangolins, which are generally solitary in nature, survive poorly in captivity.
According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the Sunda and the Chinese pangolins are currently facing a greater risk of extinction.
In July 2015, the International Fund for Animal Welfare and the Center for Biological Diversity are among the conservative organizations who petitioned the US Fish and Wildlife Service to include the seven pangolin breeds under the species conservation law. An eighth species is already under the protection of the Act.
Sarah Uhlemann, International Program Director at the Center for Biological Diversity, says that having an endangered list tells the world that the US is very serious about the pangolin issue.
The main markets for the pangolin products are in Vietnam, Thailand and China. However, there is also a demand in the United States judging that around 30,000 imports had been apprehended by authorities between 2005 and 2014. Statistics regarding the seized contrabands amount to only 10% which means that a lot more pangolin items are being smuggled undetected. In fact, the Humane Society International has revealed last year that US-based companies are selling products online.
