This rare animal from Bihar is sold for Rs 30000 per kg in China, scientists say its 'medicinal use' is a dangerous myth
With prices soaring from Rs 27,000 to Rs 30,000 per kilogram, pangolins have become the centrepiece of a brutal black market trade. In China, pangolin meat is considered both a delicacy and a vital component in traditional medicine.
Pangolin: Nature's pest controller now a poaching target
Wildlife expert Abhishek, with nearly 30 years of experience in animal conservation, highlighted the vital role pangolins play in maintaining ecological balance by keeping termite and ant populations in check. However, their soft meat and keratin scales, made of the same material as human nails, have sadly turned them into high-value targets for poachers.
According to News18 Hindi, across much of Asia, particularly in China,
, while its scales and bones are widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat everything from arthritis to fertility issues.
False medicinal beliefs drive pangolin trafficking
Despite these long-held beliefs, scientists across the globe have debunked such claims, stating there is no scientific evidence supporting any medicinal value in pangolin parts.
Nonetheless, the demand continues to thrive, driven by cultural tradition and misinformation. This persistent belief has become a key driver of illegal poaching and international smuggling, pushing the already endangered pangolin close to extinction.
Where are pangolins found in India?
Pangolins, which vary in size from 45 inches to 4.5 feet, exist in eight different species globally. Among them, the Indian pangolin and Chinese pangolin can be found in Bihar's Valmiki Tiger Reserve.
In India, these creatures are often referred to as anteaters, thanks to their diet consisting mainly of ants and termites.
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