Pangolins in Zimbabwe used to be spared from over-hunting, thanks to an unusual cultural practice by the indigenous Shona people, who hold the pangolin in high regard.
We’ve uncovered disturbing information which strongly suggests that “medicinal use” pangolin farms are already operating in China.
Good news: As a result of our recent story about pangolin products being sold on China’s top eCommerce website, Alibaba, we were contacted by a representative of the company who informed us that the pangolin pages have now been removed from the site.
A Chinese national identified as Yefan Huang has been arrested by authorities in Palawan, Philippines. Huang is believed to be responsible for slaughtering hundreds of pangolins (scaly anteaters) in order to profit from the thriving illegal trade in this species.
A Filipino man identified as Aivon Vencer has been sentenced to three years in prison for attempting to smuggle 1,068 frozen pangolins, weighing 4,988 kilograms.
Thanks to the efforts of the Kenya Wildlife Service, a pangolin has been rescued, and one suspect is under arrest.
Two seizures at Puerto Princesa city airport in southwestern Palawan province this week have reportedly netted 95 kilograms of pangolin scales and 26.5 kilograms of pangolin flesh.
Recent pangolin seizures suggest that Africa’s pangolins are increasingly being sourced for the traditional Chinese medicine trade.
What the heck is a pangolin? Aside from being a very unique, insectivorous creature and the most trafficked mammal in the international illegal wildlife trade, these scaly anteaters also have a job — a very important one!
Want to learn more about these gentle creatures? Check out this list of eleven cool facts about pangolins. Enjoy!