Pangolin
I’ve created THE ARK series out of my love for the animal world, and in writing these short accompanying bios of each animal, I’ve gained a lot of basic knowledge as I’ve scoured countless Wikipedia, Nat Geo and various other sources for information. What’s struck me hardest about reading all that I have is the fact that humans are without a doubt the biggest and most present threat to animals in the world. No plague, no fire, no flood can compare to the negative impact that we have had on the Natural World and it’s inhabitants.
Many choose to deny it, but the extinction and ecological imbalances that have been created by extensive poaching are numerous and overwhelming. Unfortunately, the Pangolin tops the list as THE MOST TRAFFICKED ANIMAL IN THE WORLD, reportedly accounting for as much 20% of all illegal wildlife trade. Laws have been in place for decades preventing the hunting and killing of this unique and gentle animal, yet millions are still poached every year. Pangolins are trafficked mainly for their scales, which in Traditional Chinese Medicine are thought to have medicinal value. They are also killed for their meat, considered a delicacy in some Asian countries, and for use in religious rituals in Africa. These are sad facts indeed.
Many choose to deny it, but the extinction and ecological imbalances that have been created by extensive poaching are numerous and overwhelming. Unfortunately, the Pangolin tops the list as THE MOST TRAFFICKED ANIMAL IN THE WORLD, reportedly accounting for as much 20% of all illegal wildlife trade. Laws have been in place for decades preventing the hunting and killing of this unique and gentle animal, yet millions are still poached every year. Pangolins are trafficked mainly for their scales, which in Traditional Chinese Medicine are thought to have medicinal value. They are also killed for their meat, considered a delicacy in some Asian countries, and for use in religious rituals in Africa. These are sad facts indeed.