Pangolin Print

Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals in the world. Tens of thousands of these shy harmless pangolins are poached every year, they are killed for their scales made of keratin for use in traditional Chinese medicine. Pangolins are also killed for their meat, a delicacy among some ultra-wealthy in China and Vietnam and there is also a demand for their leather to be used in boots, bags, and belts. Deforestation of their natural habitats is also an issue.  For many years, the Asian species were the primary target of poachers and traffickers however now that their numbers have been depleted, smugglers are increasingly turning to African pangolins.