A new International Union for the Conservation of Nature Species Survival Commission (IUCN-SSC) specialist group has recently been established for pangolins.
The group was formed in February of this year, following the IUCN SSC Specialist Group Chairs meeting in Abu Dhabi.
According to the IUCN, the IUCN-SSC Pangolin Specialist Group’s mission is to “be a global voice for pangolins by working to advance knowledge and understanding of pangolins worldwide, their conservation needs, natural history and ecology and to catalyze action to meet these needs.”
Comprised of researchers from around the world, the pangolin specialist group will be examining issues “ranging from illegal trade, pangolin ecology, genetics and behavior.”
Chris R. Shepherd, Deputy Regional Director of TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, welcomed the good news.
The formation of this Specialist Group is a great step forward. Bringing together a wide range of expertise and dedicated people to focus on the conservation of these amazing animals is key to their long term survival.
Learn more about ‘scaly anteaters’
There are four species of Asian pangolin (thick-tailed, Sunda, Chinese and Philippine) and four species of African pangolin (three-cusped, giant ground, Cape, and long-tailed).
It is estimated that between 40,000 and 60,000 pangolins were killed for the illegal trade in 2011.
Pangolin scales are used as somewhat of a cure-all in traditional Chinese medicine, although the medicinal effects remain unproven. In addition, the flesh is consumed in China for its (unproven) health benefits.
Learn more about pangolins:
- 25 Facts About Pangolins!
- ‘Medicinal Use’ Pangolin Farms in China?
- 2011: A Devastating Year for Pangolins
- Chinese Demand for Pangolins Spreads to Africa
- 8 Things Everyone Should Know About the Booming Illicit Pangolin Trade
Image © Project Pangolin
Author: Rhishja Cota-Larson. Learn more about Rhishja here.
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