The Temminck’s ground pangolin has been reintroduced into a game reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, to reverse the local extinction of the highly endangered species.
Image: Melanie van Zyl.
Pangolins are the most illegally trafficked mammals second only to human beings. These animals are hunted for their scales which are made from keratin (the same protein as the human fingernails). This is because the scales are believed to have healing properties in eastern medicine.
Pangolins are also hunted for their meat, which is considered a delicacy in China, Vietnam and other parts of southeast Asia.
According to Tourism Update, the African Pangolin Working Group (APWG), the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital and the Humane Society International (HSI) Africa, &Beyond has released a number of pangolins across South Africa.
These pangolins were retrieved from poachers or illegal wildlife traffickers in operations undertaken by the South African Police Service and the APWG.
In April, the world’s largest pangolin scale haul was intercepted in Singapore. Read: Record haul of pangolin scales seized
In July, 11.9 tons of pangolin scales were intercepted in Singapore en route to Vietnam from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Also read: Tons of elephant ivory, pangolin scales seized in Singapore
Speaking to Tourism Update, the chairman of APWG Ray Jansen said, “this reintroduction attempt is important for a number of reasons. If successful, it could provide a breeding nucleus from which to create further populations of this threatened species.
“In this way, it brings back a species thought to be extinct in this province. We are very proud to be partnering with the APWG and to be the recipients of the pangolins in their care.”
Image source: Melanie van Zyl
