He World Pangolin Day 2024 It happens every year on the third Saturday of February, on this occasion it is February 17. Its creation responds to the need for protection of these mammals, which are considered the most endangered in the world and the most illegally traded.
Pangolins belong to the order Folidots and 9 living species are considered. They are very peaceful and slow animals, victims of ignorance. Because they are caught mainly because Eastern medicine believes that their parts have healing powers. deforestation and poaching They pose their greatest threat, despite being very well protected.
He World Pangolin Day 2024 It is a way to raise awareness of the problem that affects these creatures that exist in the world IUCN Red List as endangered species (critically endangered, threatened and vulnerable). With pangolin traffickers constantly choosing new routes to evade authorities, the fight against the illegal trade in the world’s most trafficked mammal is as tough as it is difficult.
The trade in pangolins is completely banned as they are an animal protected by the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species (Cites). Yet catches of this small mammal with precious scales are increasing in the forests of Asia and Africa.
Several tons of pangolins are seized every year as victims of cross-border trade. Because, according to experts, the smugglers regularly change routes to escape the control of the authorities and a possible arrest and seizure of the pieces. All this justifies commemorating the World Pangolin Day 2024.
World Pangolin Day 2024: why are they hunted?
Pangolins are prized as exotic pets. So they are captured and sent to areas far from their natural habitat. They are animals that require very special living conditions. Therefore, they usually die in captivity due to poor care.
On the other hand, China is the most common destination for large shipments containing mainly pangolins. These are highly valued in traditional medicine, although they are actually composed of keratin, the same material that makes up human nails.
Once at their destination, the scales are ground into powder and administered to supposedly ‘cure’ more than thirty diseases, ranging from headaches to menstrual pain, nosebleeds or changes in masculinity.
In Africa, their meat is considered a true delicacy, which is why many risk hunting it. They are also victims of superstition, as people pay huge sums for a scale and carry it in their pocket to protect them from the ‘evil eye’.
Why is World Pangolin Day 2024 necessary?
Unfortunately, the commemoration of the World Pangolin Day 2024. Because poaching not only wipes out the species, but also… deforestation poses one of the other serious threats to this animal. Their habitat is decimated and their opportunities for food and reproduction diminish.
To make matters worse, the fragmentation of territories leaves populations isolated and promotes endogamy, with dire consequences in terms of the lack of genetic diversity, which is also detrimental to their survival as it is the cause of deformities and taras.
He World Pangolin Day 2024 It is a way to inform people about the serious risks faced by this species and how necessary it is to preserve and protect it from the threats it suffers, since the vast majority of them are of anthropogenic origin.