Mapping illegal pangolin poaching from Africa to Asia

Subject :Environment

Section: Species in news

Context:

Based on genomic analyses, researchers reveal illegal pangolin trafficking routes from origins in Africa to markets in Asia.
The approach offers new opportunities to monitor pangolin poaching in near realtime, allowing for targeted and more effective anti-trafficking measures.

About Pangolins:

Pangolins are nocturnal mammals that dig burrows and feed on ants and termites, and play a vital role in ecosystem management, mostly in aerating and adding moisture to the soil.
Pangolins are known for their unique appearance. They have scales made of keratin that cover their entire body.
When threatened, they can roll into a ball to protect themselves.
Pangolin Species: There are eight species of pangolin:
4 Species in Africa: Black-bellied pangolin, White-bellied pangolin, Giant Ground pangolin and Temminck’s Ground pangolin.
4 Species in Asia: Indian pangolin, Philippine pangolin, Sunda pangolin and the Chinese pangolin.

Habitat:

It is adaptable to a wide range of habitats including primary and secondary tropical forests, limestone and bamboo forests, grasslands and agricultural fields.
The Indian Pangolin is found across the Indian subcontinent; Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam also have the presence of Chinese pangolin.

Threats:

Once known to be found in large numbers, its population is rapidly declining in its range due to habitat loss and rampant poaching for its skin, scales, and meat.
Pangolins are among the most trafficked wild mammals, globally, traded mostly in Asia, where their scales are considered to be medicinal and their meat a delicacy.

Protection Status:

In the red list of animals published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Indian Pangolin is listed in the Endangered (EN) category.
The Chinese pangolin has been listed as “critically endangered”.
In India, pangolins, both Indian and Chinese, are protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 that prohibits its hunting, trade or any other form of utilisation.
All pangolin species are listed in Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Appendix I.