China has mooted a conservation plan that is aimed a drastic reduction in pangolin poaching.
It is estimated that a pangolin is poached every three minutes, and China forms part of the list of countries where pangolins are most sought after for their scales.
As reported by IOL, the scales of the endangered mammals are supplied to the Asian market and used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine.
Image credit: Ashleigh Pienaar
Last week, the 78th meeting of the UN CITIES Standing Committee took place and China proposed a pangolin conservation plan.
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The Pangolin Conservation in China proposal outlines an intention to reduce the use of pangolin scales in traditional medicine.
According to Wild Africa, China’s submission projected a 90% decrease in pharmaceutical and hospital use of pangolin scales by 2026.
Wild Africa is an organisation committed to ending illegal wildlife trade, as well as raising awareness and promoting efforts that preserve Africa’s natural beauty and wildlife.
In 2016, Chinese pangolins became protected by law when the commercial trade of pangolins was outlawed under UN CITES. However, the country currently still permits the use of pangolin scales from a “stockpile” for traditional Chinese medicine.
Globally, pangolins are classified as vulnerable and critically endangered. A number of other countries such as Nigeria have taken significant legislative steps in combatting the illegal trade of pangolin scales.
The scaly-skinned mammals play a crucial role in natural pest control as they consume up to 70 million ants and termites a year.
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