Latest news with #pangolin
Forbes
31-07-2025
- Health
- Forbes
This Illinois Zoo Is Working To Save The Earth's Most Trafficked Mammal
While the planet plays host to a wealth of fascinating mammals, few extant creatures can match the intrigue of the pangolin. Equipped with long tongues and a body sheathed in armor-like plates, the animal serves as the sole scaled mammal found on earth today—but unfortunately, this attribute has made them a target for widespread poaching and trafficking over the decades, with some pangolin species in immediate peril of extinction. However, far beyond their natural range, Brookfield Zoo Chicago serves as a major beacon of hope for the future survival of the pangolin, with multiple successful births seen over the past few years. 'With the birth of two pangopups in 2022, one pangopup birth in 2023 and another last year, we now have 13 pangolins in our care,' says Mark Wanner, Brookfield Zoo Chicago Associate Vice President of Animal Care and Conservation and Chair of the North American Pangolin Consortium. Native to the forests of Central and West Africa, these white-bellied pangolins provide crucial insight into the biology and needs of the species, with each birth offering new information on the specific requirements of both pregnant and newborn pangolins. At the beginning of their lives, the pangopups are entirely under the care of their mother, with minimal interaction from zoo staff until weaning, at which point the animals are ready for a carefully-calculated mix of food items to prepare them for their next stage of life. Though Wanner notes that replicating the natural diet of the white-bellied pangolin can be challenging, Director of Nutrition Dr. Jennifer Watts has crafted a varied blend of dried and ground invertebrates to ensure that the animals are properly nourished, with black soldier fly larva, silkworms and crickets incorporated into their diet alongside formic acid and additional mineral supplements. This insect-forward composition provides the resident pangolins with a mix that's similar to their natural diet of ants and termites—and as an added bonus for the mammals, every meal is paired with plenty of enrichment opportunities to keep them mentally stimulated. A pangolin's plates might be its most eye-catching feature, but the animals also possess mind-bogglingly long tongues, with the organ connecting down at the pelvis rather than the base of the mouth. In the wild, pangolins use their tongues to consume more than 50 million insects per year—and at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, the white-bellied pangolin exhibit plays host to a multitude of different feeders, providing every resident with an opportunity to engage in natural feeding behavior at a variety of sites. Beyond this amenity, the pangolins are also provided with misting systems, unique sleeping areas and sound machines, each one playing a crucial role in fostering a safe and secure environment for the proliferation of this imperiled species. 'The 2024 birth signifies more than just another pangolin,' says Wanner. 'This birth also offers hope for developing a sustainable population under professional care. And as the most trafficked mammal in the world and facing steep declines in the wild, every successful birth is a reason to celebrate.' Though pangolins have struggled immensely over the years, Brookfield Zoo Chicago has made it their mission to ensure the future survival of the many species that call Africa and Asia home. With the arrival of each newborn pangopup, zoo staff uncover crucial information about the biology and behavior of these fascinating animals, ensuring that with enough time, humanity will see a world that's well-equipped to combat the plight of the pangolins.
The Independent
17-06-2025
- General
- The Independent
The fight to save ‘adorably odd' mammal from edge of extinction
US authorities are considering extending Endangered Species Act protections to the pangolin, often described as the "most trafficked mammal in the world", due to poaching. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is looking to include four Asian species – the Chinese, Indian, Sunda, and Philippine pangolins – and three African species: the white-bellied, black-bellied, and giant pangolins, under the act. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, seven pangolin species are nearing extinction. The World Wildlife Fund has reported that pangolins are heavily trafficked, largely because of demand for their scales in traditional Chinese medicine, as well as for their meat. The Temminck's ground pangolin, another African species, is already protected under the law. Scientists believe that there may be two additional pangolin species yet to be recognised. The Endangered Species Act, signed into law in 1973 with bipartisan backing, is vital for preserving global biodiversity and preventing the extinction of iconic species. It currently protects over 2,000 species. Conservation and environmental groups say habitat loss from climate change is just one reason the act is especially critical today. The endangerment listing, once finalised, would help strengthen trade and import restrictions of pangolin parts in the US, except in the case of scientific or other conservation purposes, according to the Center. It is illegal to trade them; the pangolin received certain commercial trade protections under the 2017 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. But tons of poached scales representing thousands of pangolin have been found by authorities around the world in recent years. 'I'm delighted the United States is doing its part to save these adorably odd creatures,' Sarah Uhlemann, international program director at the Center for Biological Diversity, said in a statement. ' Pangolins are on the razor's edge of extinction, and we need to completely shut down any US market for their scales. There's no good reason for anybody to ingest any part of a pangolin.' The pangolin eats insects and rolls into a ball when threatened by predators. The Fish and Wildlife Service said pangolin populations have declined due to targeting by poachers and criminal activity, noting 'proceeds from the illicit sale of pangolins and other imperiled species often fund serious crimes, including drug and arms trafficking.' While the act requires endangered species listing regardless of their origin, the designation could also assist in prosecuting smugglers violating the protections. Advocates, including from the International Fund for Animal Welfare and other national and international groups, have for years petitioned to list the pangolin. In 2020, these organisations and the Fish and Wildlife Service signed an agreement to enforce listing deadlines. Polar bears, as well as penguins — similarly not found in the US — have also been in discussions for listing over the years. Monday's move comes despite President Donald Trump's efforts to weaken the act, aligning with ongoing conservative criticism that it stifles economic growth. Trump's executive order declaring an 'energy emergency' in the US says the act can't stand in the way of energy development, signaling that protections could be rolled back. The Trump administration already plans to cut habitat protections for endangered and threatened species, in an effort to redefine the long-standing meaning of what constitutes 'harm."
The Independent
17-06-2025
- General
- The Independent
The world's most trafficked mammal on ‘razor's edge of extinction'
US officials have proposed extending Endangered Species Act protections to the pangolin, a scaled mammal dubbed the "most trafficked mammal in the world". The US Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking to include four Asian species – the Chinese, Indian, Sunda, and Philippine pangolins – and three African species: the white-bellied, black-bellied, and giant pangolins. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, seven pangolin species are nearing extinction. The World Wildlife Fund notes the animals are heavily trafficked, largely due to demand for their scales in traditional Chinese medicine, as well as their meat. The Temminck's ground pangolin, another African species, is already protected under the law. Scientists believe there may be two additional pangolin species yet to be recognised. The Endangered Species Act, signed into law in 1973 with bipartisan backing, is vital for preserving global biodiversity and preventing the extinction of iconic species. It currently protects over 2,000 species. Conservation and environmental groups say habitat loss from climate change is just one reason the act is especially critical today. The endangerment listing, once finalised, would help strengthen trade and import restrictions of pangolin parts in the US, except in the case of scientific or other conservation purposes, according to the Center. It is illegal to trade them; the pangolin received certain commercial trade protections under the 2017 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. But tons of poached scales representing thousands of pangolin have been found by authorities around the world in recent years. 'I'm delighted the United States is doing its part to save these adorably odd creatures,' Sarah Uhlemann, international program director at the Center for Biological Diversity, said in a statement. ' Pangolins are on the razor's edge of extinction, and we need to completely shut down any US market for their scales. There's no good reason for anybody to ingest any part of a pangolin.' The pangolin eats insects and rolls into a ball when threatened by predators. The Fish and Wildlife Service said pangolin populations have declined due to targeting by poachers and criminal activity, noting 'proceeds from the illicit sale of pangolins and other imperiled species often fund serious crimes, including drug and arms trafficking.' While the act requires endangered species listing regardless of their origin, the designation could also assist in prosecuting smugglers violating the protections. Advocates, including from the International Fund for Animal Welfare and other national and international groups, have for years petitioned to list the pangolin. In 2020, these organisations and the Fish and Wildlife Service signed an agreement to enforce listing deadlines. Polar bears, as well as penguins — similarly not found in the US — have also been in discussions for listing over the years. Monday's move comes despite President Donald Trump's efforts to weaken the act, aligning with ongoing conservative criticism that it stifles economic growth. Trump's executive order declaring an 'energy emergency' in the US says the act can't stand in the way of energy development, signaling that protections could be rolled back. The Trump administration already plans to cut habitat protections for endangered and threatened species, in an effort to redefine the long-standing meaning of what constitutes 'harm."
Al Arabiya
16-06-2025
- General
- Al Arabiya
The world's most trafficked mammal is the pangolin. US officials say it's an endangered species
US officials proposed Monday to protect the pangolin – a small, nocturnal mammal covered in scales – under the Endangered Species Act. The pangolin is the most trafficked mammal in the world, in large part for its scales used in traditional Chinese medicine and meat, according to the World Wildlife Fund. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is looking to add protections for four species of pangolin native to Asia – including the Chinese, Indian, Sunda, and Philippine pangolin – and three species native to Africa, including the white-bellied, black-bellied, and giant pangolin. Seven species are in danger of extinction, according to the Center for Biological Diversity. An eighth species from Africa, the Temminck's ground pangolin, is already protected by the law. Scientists also say two more species of the mammal may exist. The protections were signed into law in 1973 with bipartisan support and are key for preserving global biodiversity and keeping iconic types of plants and animals, such as the bald eagle, from dying out. The Endangered Species Act protects over 2,000 US and foreign species. Conservation and environmental groups say habitat loss from climate change is just one reason the act is especially critical today. The endangerment listing, once finalized, would help strengthen trade and import restrictions of pangolin parts in the US, except in the case of scientific or other conservation purposes, according to the Center. It is illegal to trade them; the pangolin received certain commercial trade protections under the 2017 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. But tons of poached scales representing thousands of pangolin have been found by authorities around the world in recent years. 'I'm delighted the United States is doing its part to save these adorably odd creatures,' Sarah Uhlemann, international program director at the Center for Biological Diversity, said in a statement. 'Pangolins are on the razor's edge of extinction, and we need to completely shut down any US market for their scales. There's no good reason for anybody to ingest any part of a pangolin.' The pangolin eats insects and rolls into a ball when threatened by predators. The Fish and Wildlife Service said pangolin populations have declined due to targeting by poachers and criminal activity, noting proceeds from the illicit sale of pangolins and other imperiled species often fund serious crimes, including drug and arms trafficking. While the act requires endangered species listing regardless of their origin, the designation could also assist in prosecuting smugglers violating the protections. Advocates, including from the International Fund for Animal Welfare and other national and international groups, have for years petitioned to list the pangolin. In 2020, these organizations and the Fish and Wildlife Service signed an agreement to enforce listing deadlines. Polar bears, as well as penguins – similarly not found in the US – have also been in discussions for listing over the years. Monday's move comes despite President Donald Trump's efforts to weaken the act, aligning with ongoing conservative criticism that it stifles economic growth. Trump's executive order declaring an energy emergency in the US says the act can't stand in the way of energy development, signaling that protections could be rolled back. The Trump administration already plans to cut habitat protections for endangered and threatened species in an effort to redefine the long-standing meaning of what constitutes harm.
Washington Post
16-06-2025
- Health
- Washington Post
The world's most trafficked mammal is the pangolin. US officials say it's an endangered species
U.S. officials proposed Monday to protect the pangolin, a small, nocturnal mammal covered in scales, under the Endangered Species Act. The pangolin is 'the most trafficked mammal in the world' in large part for its scales, used in traditional Chinese medicine, and meat, according to the World Wildlife Fund. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is looking to add protections for four species of the pangolin native to Asia — including the Chinese, Indian, Sunda and Philippine pangolin — and three species native to Africa, including the white-bellied, black-bellied and giant pangolin. Seven species are in danger of extinction, according to the Center for Biological Diversity.
