The world trafficked mammal Pangolins on Earth are covered with scales!
The world trafficked mammal Pangolins on Earth are covered with scales!
Updated on July 29, 2022 10:53 AM by Dhinesh
Pangolins!
Pangolins are found across Africa and Asia, but all eight species are at risk of extinction, killed for their meat and use in traditional medicine. In Liberia, they are commonly known as ant bears owing to their particular diet of ants and termites, where the sanctuary is a heaven for them.
Species of Pangolin!
Five years ago, Deh Jr joined the sanctuary as he cared for over 70 pangolins brought by the Liberian Forestry Development Authority. Liberia is the most forested country in West Africa, with over two-thirds of its landmass comprising forest.
Forest from part of the Guinean Forests of West Africa contains a quarter of all mammal species found on the continent, including 30 species of primates and three of the world's eight pangolin species.
Related: Pangolins, The World’s Most Trafficked Mammal, This Wildlife Sanctuary Is Caring For ThemAdd Block
Forested area!
A long history of consuming bushmeat, from primates to civets and pangolin, is considered a delicacy in Liberia. Deh Jr grew up eating the animal, something he is ashamed of today.
Local pangolins!
As in recent years, local pangolins have emerged. Some people are killing the animal to supply demand from China and Vietnam, where its scale is used in traditional medicine. According to a 2020 report from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, between 2014 and 2018, the number of pangolin shipments seized globally increased tenfold.Add Block
The most significant source of pangolins!
Most of the pangolin scales were sourced in Asia before 2009. In Asia, most seizures are found in animals largely originating from Africa. The biggest source of pangolins is Uganda and Togo, which had recently been significant seizures in Ivory Coast in Liberia country.Add Block
Banned commercial trade!
The commercial trade of these animals has been banned internationally. In 2016, the Liberian government introduced a law prohibiting hunting, selling, buying, capturing, and transporting this species, including pangolins.
Liberian wildlife!
The sanctuary has taken in almost 600 animals in the past four years, from pangolins to dwarf crocodiles, monkeys, and others. The main objective is to rehabilitate and return as much Liberian wildlife to the forest as possible. Deh Jr mentioned that there are few greater rewards, and you are saving little animals.