A pangolin trade report compiled earlier this year by NGO Education for Nature-Vietnam (ENV) has uncovered disturbing information about the trafficking of these little-known mammals.
In two separate incidents within a 30-day span, authorities in Thailand and Indonesia have rescued more than 200 pangolins from wildlife traffickers.
With at least one pangolin being killed every hour of every day throughout their Asiatic range, this elusive creature has become the most commonly smuggled mammal in Southeast Asia. The extent of illegal pangolin trade is shocking and experts say the two most endangered species could go extinct within ten years, if current trends continue.
Want to learn more about these gentle creatures? Check out this list of eleven cool facts about pangolins. Enjoy!
Pangolin populations are rapidly declining in Southeast Asia, due to the use of their flesh, skin, and scales for traditional Chinese medicine. Even pangolin fetuses are consumed.