The United States moves to protect the pangolin
Environment — di Elisabetta Scuri
The goal is to ban domestic trade in pangolin parts — the world's most trafficked wild mammal. - Biodiversity
The United States moves to protect the pangolin
The goal is to ban domestic trade in pangolin parts — the world's most trafficked wild mammal. - Biodiversity
The United States government has proposed listing seven species of pangolin on the endangered species list under the Endangered Species Act (Esa), the most important US law for the protection of wildlife and plants threatened with extinction. The announcement was made on Monday, 16 June, by the federal government agency responsible for managing fisheries and wildlife, known as the Fish and Wildlife Service (Fws).
🎊Great news! 🎊 @USFWS just announced they plan to list seven species of pangolins as endangered under the Endangered Species Act! Gentle and small, pangolins are the world's most trafficked mammal, and they need our help! humaneworld.org/en/blog/new-pa…
The pangolin: an animal of records
Pangolins, which resemble anteaters and armadillos, are often described as "pine cones with legs". They live in savannas and forests ranging from West Africa to Southeast Asia, spending their nights foraging for ants, termites and other insects. When they feel threatened, they curl up into a ball.
The pangolin is the only mammal in the world covered in scales from head to tail. Sadly, that is not the only record it holds: various authoritative sources, including the Iucn, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, agree that it is the most trafficked wild mammal in the world — so much so that it was "blamed" for having contributed to the Covid-19 pandemic. This grim distinction stems from the fact that its scales are used in traditional Chinese medicine, while its meat is considered a delicacy throughout Asia.
The illegal trade in pangolin parts
Even though the pangolin has been protected since 2016 by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites), the animal continues to be illegally trafficked. Last April, Nigerian authorities seized nearly four tonnes of pangolin scales — equivalent to approximately two thousand animals killed — according to data collected by Humane World for Animals. Demand remains high in the United States as well: according to the latest available data, between 2016 and 2020 customs authorities intercepted 76 shipments containing pangolin parts and derived products, including scales and medicinal products.
A brighter future for the species
At present, only the Temminck's pangolin (Manis temminckii) is protected under the Esa. If the Fws proposal is approved — following a public consultation running until 18 August — all eight existing pangolin species will be protected on US territory. This will result in a ban on the import and interstate trade of pangolin parts, except for scientific or conservation purposes, as well as facilitating access to funding and tools for the protection of the species.
"This long-awaited decision by the Fish and Wildlife Service is a victory for pangolins," commented Jeff Flocken, chief international officer of Humane World for Animals. "Every vulnerable species, starting with the most trafficked mammal on the planet, deserves to be protected from anyone who seeks to exploit it for profit."
"This is a pivotal moment for pangolin conservation," added Danielle Kessler, US director of the International Fund for Animal Welfare. "Ten years ago, we filed a petition to list pangolins as endangered species, given the serious threats posed by poaching and illegal trafficking. Unfortunately, these dangers have not diminished, and seizures continue to be far too frequent. With this proposal, the United States is taking a crucial role in the fight against wildlife trafficking and in the protection of biodiversity."