- checking login information
Loading...Save Pangolins from Poachers by Pressuring China
Tens of thousands of pangolins (spiny anteaters) are illegally killed and transported to market each year because of ancient beliefs in the power of their meat and scales to heal. Pangolins are endangered around the world, from Africa to Asia; they are prized for use in traditional medicine and rituals, perhaps because their appearance resembles armor. Their scales are used in traditional medicine and their meat is prized as a delicacy. In China, pangolin fetus soup is thought to confer male virility.
As with so many endangered species, it is easy to blame the poachers for the pangolins’ plight, but the trick is to reduce demand. In Asia, demand comes from China, where laws against the creatures’ illegal import and use are not enforced. A petition has been posted on Care2 to ask Chinese officials to enforce the laws on illegal import and sale of the endangered creatures.
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature, Species Survival Commission) Pangolin Specialist Group was re-formed earlier this year to increase the species’ protection. Unfortunately, pangolins are slow moving and make for easy hunting. This heart breaking video shows nearly 100 pangolins rescued by authorities in Thailand last year that were caught to be sold as food, presumably to China.
Worldwatch institute this month quoted a Chinese wildlife official on the increase in pangolin scale value: “A kilogram of pangolin scales that earned only 80 yuan (US$10) in the early 1990s would now yield 1,200 yuan ($175) on the black market.”
Take Action
Sign the Care2 petition asking the Chinese government to enforce laws against illegal importation of pangolins. Once you have signed, please spread the word and ask your networks to participate in this cause.
Related Stories:
Tiger Poachers To Be Shot On Sight In Indian State (Video)
Illegal Orangutan Skulls Found On Palm Oil Plantations
Five Tons Of Illegal Bushmeat Smuggled In Every Week”
Read more: africa, anteater, asia, cites, environment, pangolin, poaching, traditional medicine, wildlife
Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may
not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.
Recent Comments from Causes
Therese D, equality is the name of the game here. The right to live a normal married life is what is…
I think I am more informed about food so I know what to eat and how much.
NEVER BEEN TO ANY OF THEM, AND DON'T CARE TO VISIT ANY OF THESE PLACES ANYTIME SOON.... - I RESPECT MY…
meet our writers
138 comments
+ add your ownThe petition posted in the article is closed now, please sign this one:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/673/240/344/help-save-pangolins/
Thank you for sharing.
Wow, I'd never even heard of these creatures. Heartbreaking to hear about them.
already signed :) but thanks for sharing :)
China doesn't care about anything, their government is full of criminals. The chinese river dolphin is already gone forever. As long as it involves greed China will do any crime.
Chinese again; no surprise.
already signed
I'll sign now.
The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.
"Die Größe eines Volkes und seine moralischen Fortschritte können daran gemessen werden, wie es seine Tiere behandelt."
Those who are cruel to animals cannot be righteous human beings.
Wer gegen Tiere grausam ist, kann kein guter Mensch sein.
Leave it to the Chinese to think that yet another animal can cure their ED.................well wake up you morons, THEY DON'T and THEY CAN'T. Animals were NOT put on this earth so you can get a big hard on.
So stop the killing................
login to add your comment
use your care2 login
add your comment