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February 20th is World Pangolin Day to raise awareness of the MOST ILLEGALLY-TRADED mammal in the world!
Over the past decade, more than 960,000 pangolins have been traded and most are sourced for markets in China and Vietnam, says Born Free USA. But, the demand for pangolins remains significant in the United States. Between 2004-2013 26,000 imports of pangolin products were seized in this nation.
The only defense a pagolin has is to roll into a ball as shown the image. Unfortunately, this move makes it easier for humans to simply pick up the helpless animal.
Humans are the top predator against pangolins. One pangolin is estimated to be killed every hour in Asia. There are eight species of pangolins and all are in danger. The two most endangered species may go extinct within 10 years.
Pangolin meat is considered to be a luxury product in China and Vietnam. Their meat, scales, blood, and fetuses are used in traditional Chinese medicine despite no scientific proof to support any such medical claims.
According to the African Wildlife Foundation, “Pangolins are believed to possess magic or charms. When mixed with bark from certain trees, the scales are thought to neutralize witchcraft and evil spirits. If buried near a man’s door, they are said to give an interested woman power over him. Sometimes the scales are burned to keep lions and other wild animals away. In some areas, pangolins are sacrificed for rainmaking ceremonies.
Born Free USA/Born Free Foundation is asking the public for support on World Pangolin Day. They want followers to copy the above image with the following hashtags # #WorldPangolinDay, #Roll4Pangolins, and #SavePangolins.
Born Free is asking the public to Sign this petition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, asking it to list the seven remaining pangolin species under the Endangered Species Act – Born Free is among the lead petitioners.
They are also urging anyone who wants to help rescued pangolins by purchasing a t-shirt. All proceeds will be donated to Tikki Hywood Trust, a pangolin rehabilitation and rescue center in Zimbabwe.
Help create awareness of the world’s most illegally traded mammal by spreading this article. Pangolins need all the help they can get!
“Time is running out for pangolins and they desperately need our help,” says Adam M. Roberts, CEO of Born Free USA/Foundation. “Born Free staff will do all it can globally to save the imperiled pangolin before it’s too late.”.Have a story, please email me at tevangelistaepp@yahoo.
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Peculiar article, totally what I needed.