What is the Most Trafficked Mammal in the World?

Tucked away in the shade of grasslands and woodlands in Asia and Africa, a rare and kind animal is in grave danger is the pangolin. Despite being mistaken for a reptile because of its scaly armor, the pangolin is actually a mammal and, sadly, the most trafficked animal globally.  Human greed is too great for its modest appearance and defensive rolling into a ball, which works wonderfully against natural predators. The stealthy disappearance of pangolins is one of the most urgent conservation problems of our time, as their ravenous demand has driven all of its eight species to the verge of extinction. To ensure that these amazing animals have a future, it is essential to comprehend their dire circumstances.

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What is so special about Pangolins?

Pangolins are truly remarkable creatures, unlike any other mammal on Earth. Their most striking feature is their covering of large, overlapping scales, made of keratin – the same material found in human fingernails and rhino horns. These scales act as a formidable armor, protecting them from predators. When threatened, a pangolin will immediately curl into a tight, impenetrable ball, safeguarding its vulnerable belly and face. This unique defense mechanism, while effective against lions or tigers, offers no protection against poachers who can simply pick them up.

Beyond their scales, pangolins possess other extraordinary adaptations. They have incredibly long, sticky tongues, which can extend up to 16 inches, allowing them to slurp up thousands of ants and termites daily. This specialized diet makes them vital for maintaining healthy ecosystems, as they control insect populations. Pangolins also have strong claws, perfect for digging burrows and tearing into ant and termite mounds. Their solitary and nocturnal nature means they are rarely seen, adding to the mystery surrounding these elusive animals.

7 Interesting Facts about Pangolins 

1. They are the only scaled mammals: Pangolins are unique among mammals for being covered in protective keratin scales.

2. Longest tongues relative to body size: Their tongues can be incredibly long, sometimes even longer than their entire body, enabling them to reach deep into ant and termite nests.

3. No teeth: Pangolins don't have teeth. Instead, they use small stones and sand in their stomachs to grind up their food, similar to how birds use gizzards.

4. Masters of defense: When threatened, their primary defense is to roll into a tight, armored ball, making them almost impossible for predators to attack.

5. Excellent diggers: They have powerful claws that allow them to dig burrows up to 10 feet deep and tear apart concrete-hard termite mounds.

6. Arboreal and terrestrial species: Some pangolin species are arboreal (tree-dwelling), using their prehensile tails to grip branches, while others are terrestrial (ground-dwelling).

7. Crucial for ecosystem health: By consuming vast quantities of insects, pangolins play a vital role in natural pest control, helping to maintain ecological balance.

The Driving Force Behind the Trafficking

The primary reason for the pangolin's catastrophic decline is the illicit wildlife trade, fueled by two main demands. In some Asian cultures, particularly China and Vietnam, pangolin meat is considered a delicacy and a status symbol, often served at banquets. More significantly, their scales are highly sought after for use in traditional medicine. Though scientific evidence shows no medicinal value, proponents believe pangolin scales can cure various ailments, from rheumatism and skin diseases to promoting blood circulation. This unfounded belief has created a massive illegal market, driving prices sky-high and incentivizing poaching on an industrial scale.

The scale of the trade is staggering. Millions of pangolins are estimated to have been poached in the last decade alone. Smuggling operations are sophisticated, often involving international criminal networks that transport live pangolins, frozen carcasses, and bags of scales across borders. Enforcement efforts, while increasing, struggle to keep pace with the vastness and profitability of this illegal trade.

What is the Pangolin Skin used for?

When people refer to "pangolin skin" in the context of usage, they are almost exclusively referring to the scales. As mentioned, these scales are primarily used in traditional Asian medicine. There is no significant use of the actual underlying skin, which is hairless and covered by the scales, for products like leather goods. The demand is solely for the keratinous scales, driven by the erroneous belief in their medicinal properties.

Are Pangolins Nocturnal?

Yes, pangolins are predominantly nocturnal animals. They spend their days sleeping in burrows or tree hollows and emerge at night to forage for food. Their excellent sense of smell helps them locate ant and termite nests in the darkness. This nocturnal behavior, combined with their shy nature, makes them incredibly difficult to study in the wild, further complicating conservation efforts.

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Conservation Challenges and Hope for the Future

Protecting pangolins is a monumental task that requires a multi-faceted approach. International agreements, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), have listed all pangolin species on Appendix I, meaning commercial international trade is prohibited. However, enforcement remains a significant challenge.

Efforts are underway to combat poaching through increased patrols, improved intelligence gathering, and harsher penalties for wildlife criminals. Equally important are campaigns to reduce demand for pangolin products, particularly in consumer countries. Educating communities about the lack of medicinal value in pangolin scales and promoting sustainable alternatives are crucial steps. Additionally, protecting their natural habitats from deforestation and human encroachment is vital for their long-term survival. While the future of pangolins hangs in the balance, growing global awareness and dedicated conservation efforts offer a glimmer of hope that these unique and endearing creatures can be saved from the brink of extinction.

The pangolin’s plight as the world’s most trafficked mammal underscores a global crisis driven by unfounded beliefs and illegal trade. These unique, nocturnal creatures, essential to their ecosystems, face severe threats to their very existence. Urgent and coordinated international efforts are vital to combat poaching, reduce demand for their scales and meat, and protect their dwindling habitats. Only through a concerted global response can we hope to secure a future for the silent, scaly pangolin.