This pangolin’s lunch habits show why the world’s most trafficked mammal is so unique

The post This pangolin’s lunch routine shows why the world’s most trafficked mammal is so unique appeared first on AZ Animals.

quick take

• Pangolins use their powerful claws and long tongues to tear apart logs and eat ants and termites.

• Their scales are made of keratin, not medicine, and illegal wildlife trade remains a major threat to their survival.

• Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals in the world, making conservation awareness particularly urgent.

In the stunning Instagram clip below, a pangolin eats lunch with its head buried in a log. The beautiful scaly mammal stands on all fours inside a log, with a zoo worker crouching behind it. Zoo officials said the pangolins tore apart the log to give them better access to the ants inside. Pangolins feed primarily on ants and termites and may spend several hours foraging and eating, depending on the species and prey availability.

Pangolins begin tearing up trees themselves using their impressive claws. It begins to push the debris away and use its paws like a digging dog. However, its strong, hard claws allow it to quickly process logs almost instantly. Zookeepers speak out about the dire situation of pangolin trafficking, as pangolins are the most trafficked animals on the planet. Because they are the only mammals with scales, some cultures mistakenly believe that their scales have medicinal properties.

In fact, pangolin scales are made of the same keratin as fingernails. Obviously, pangolin scales have no secret medicinal or “magical” value. Fortunately, the sad truth of the species is unknown to the beautiful pangolins that feast on it. However, this does not alleviate the tragedy and there is clearly a need for increased conservation awareness. Their extinction would be heartbreaking because they are such unique animals and have scales that can protect them from natural predators.

The negative effects of the black market for exotic animal “medicines”

The exotic animal trade is largely driven by cultural beliefs that certain body parts have medicinal properties, causing irreparable harm to numerous animal species. Pangolins are widely described by conservation groups as the world’s most trafficked mammal. Their scales are sought after in traditional Chinese medicine and are usually ground into powder. Some traditional medicine markets promote unsubstantiated claims that pangolin scales can treat conditions such as poor circulation and inflammation. Pangolin scales are made of keratin, the same protein found in human fingernails, but there is not enough scientific evidence that consuming pangolin scales has any medical benefits.

Unfortunately, the destructive herbal medicine trade extends far beyond pangolins. It also has a major impact on species such as rhinos, which are poached for their horns, and elephants, which are poached for their ivory. Although rhino horn is sold in some consumer markets for a variety of unproven uses, common claims in the West that it is primarily used as an aphrodisiac are misleading. However, there is no good scientific evidence that rhino horn provides these claimed medical or sexual benefits, and demand for rhino horn contributes to severe poaching pressure on rhino populations. Sharks are also victims, and their fins are prized for “shark fin soup.”

Claims that shark fin soup has special medicinal properties are not supported by sufficient scientific evidence. These claimed medicinal benefits are not supported by evidence, and consumer demand for wildlife products has had devastating consequences for many species. Consumer demand for wildlife products is one of the main drivers of illegal trade and population decline in some species. The northern white rhino provides a heartbreaking example of how poaching can push a subspecies to the brink. Conservation groups say increased enforcement, reduced demand and public education are all needed to reduce illegal wildlife trade.

The post This pangolin’s lunch routine shows why the world’s most trafficked mammal is so unique appeared first on AZ Animals.