5,000 to 7,500 pangolins must have been killed to produce the amount of scales seized this month in Shanghai. https://t.co/T98XCqnEnP
— NPR (@NPR) December 28, 2016
Chinese customs just discovered a colossal illegal shipment of pangolin scales.
Three people were caught in the bust, which consisted of 101 bags of scales weighing in at an unfathomable 3.1 tons. It was by far the largest of its kind seen at Chinese customs.
The container containing the bags was imported from Africa, and was found hiding behind timber cargo.
According to estimates, between 5,000 and 7,500 pangolins were killed to produce this immense shipment.
What’s more, customs officials found evidence to support the idea that the suspects have been buying scales from Africa since 2015 (and perhaps longer). The investigation is ongoing.
Docile pangolins are one of the most heavily trafficked animals on the planet. Their scales are used in Asia for traditional medicine or as fashion accessories, and their meat is considered a high-end delicacy.
Pangolins resemble a sort of scaly anteater and are completely harmless. In fact, when attacked or threatened, they simply roll up into a ball and expose their tough scales for protection. Unfortunately, this makes them extremely vulnerable to poachers as they can easily pick them up and walk off with them.
All eight species of pangolin are found in Asia and parts of Africa, and all are listed on Appendix I of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) — international commercial trade is strictly forbidden.
To help protect this struggling species, consider donating to Pangolin Conservation or support them by following the organization on Facebook.
Another recent bust of live animals can be seen here:
