Why are pangolins endangered species?

Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) – Critically Endangered. • Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) – Endangered. • Philippine pangolin (Manis culionensis) – Endangered. baby-pango.jpg. Baby pangolin being handreared at Rare and Endangered Species Trust (REST), Namibia, Africa - Sep 2013. read more

Up to 100,000 pangolins are estimated to be hunted and sold every year, making them the most traded wild animal in the world. The meat is considered a delicacy in China, Vietnam and other parts of south-east Asia, while the scales are prized for traditional medicine. Researchers warned last year that the Chinese pangolin is in danger of being “eaten to extinction” because of huge demand. read more

Yet that is not to say that these more modern civilizations have knowingly embraced the use of the animal parts of endangered species. The valuable scales of pangolin. Pangolins are trafficked for the Chinese market primarily for their hard, razor sharp scales, which are ground down for use. read more

Eight species of pangolins are found on two continents. They range from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered. Four species live in Africa: Black-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tetradactyla), White-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis), Giant Ground pangolin (Smutsia gigantea) and Temminck's Ground pangolin (Smutsia temminckii). read more