While I don’t always focus on wildlife on my blog, because I travel full time, I love animals more than any other subject. Admittedly, I’m most obsessed with the big cats, but sometimes I take a peek at animals that are less commonly known.
That’s important, because there are more than 14,000 species listed as endangered or critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. One of these is the Pangolin.
The pangolin, also known as the scaly anteater, is a mammal native to Africa and Asia. They are easily recognized by their armor-like scales, which are made of keratin, the same material as human fingernails. Pangolins are primarily nocturnal and feed mainly on ants and termites.
It is actually the only mammal with scales and has a long, sticky tongue that it uses to catch ants and termites. The pangolin is also known for its ability to curl up into a tight ball for protection. Despite these fascinating characteristics, pangolins are sadly the most trafficked animals in the world due to a high demand for their scales and meat.
You read that right; pangolins are the most trafficked animal in the world. Period. Regrettably, pangolin meat is considered a delicacy in Vietnam and China which has led these animals to be trafficked and hunted. They are also killed for their scales, which are believed to contain medicinal properties.
This demand has placed very high pressure on the Pangolin populations, leading them to become one of the most endangered animals in the world. There are efforts to conserve the pangolin populations and prevent them from going extinct. One such initiative is the Pangolin Crisis Fund, which provides funding for rescue and rehabilitation centers as well as education and awareness programs.
Breeding to increase the species is not easy. The breeding habits of pangolins are not well understood due to their elusive nature. However, it is known that females give birth to a single offspring at a time, which they carry on their tails for the first few weeks of life.
Pangolin breeding may be essential to saving the species from extinction, but little progress has been made in captive breeding programs. Nevertheless, some organizations are making efforts to study the elusive creatures’ behaviors and to encourage breeding to help conserve the dwindling populations.
Additionally, some countries have implemented laws and regulations to protect pangolins from hunting and trafficking. However, much more needs to be done to ensure the survival of these unique and fascinating creatures.