Dozens of dead pangolins seized by Chinese officials. Photo from: news.163.com
In one of the biggest pangolin trafficking cases yet recorded in China, officials confiscated 956 animals stuffed into 189 coolers this month. The dead pangolins were being carried overland in a truck, with the total haul weighing four tonnes.
The traffickers were caught at the border of Guangdong Province. If convicted, they face up to ten years in jail.
Wildlife experts believe pangolins are among the most—and perhaps even the most—trafficked animals on the planet. The animals are consumed in a number of different ways in East Asia, including China. Their meat is considered a delicacy, their scales are used in traditional medicine, and even their fetuses are eaten in a soup. The scales are made of keratin and there is no evidence that they are a curative.
According to Annamiticus, last year around 8,000 pangolins were confiscated by authorities worldwide, however experts estimate that confiscations only account for 10-20 percent of the total global trade.
Found in Asia and Africa, pangolins are unusual animals that feed on insects with a long tongue and roll into a ball when imperiled. Pangolins are so distinct they make up their own order of species, Pholidota. There are four species of pangolin in Asia, two of which are currently listed as Endangered due largely to the unsustainable and illegal trade.
Authorities confiscate nearly 1,000 dead pangolins. Photo from: news.163.com.
Officials investigate dead pangolin. Photo from: news.163.com.
Graph shows confiscation of pangolin trade from 2011-2013. Graph by: Annamiticus. Click to enlarge.
The World’s Pangolin Species
Asian species
Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata), Near Threatened
Philippine pangolin (Manis culionensis), Near Threatened
Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla), Endangered
Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica), Endangered
African species
Giant pangolin (Manis gigantea), Least Concern
Ground pangolin (Manis temminckii), Least Concern
Tree pangolin (Manis tricuspis), Near Threatened
Long-tailed pangolin (Manis tetradactyla), Least Concern
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