When officials discovered a kidnapped mother and her young baby inside a wooden crate, they initially were not sure what they were looking at when they made their first glance. However, their hearts soon sank and reality set in and what had happened.
The plight of pangolins has become a growing concern amongst conservationists as the number of these scale-covered mammals continues to decline due to illegal trading and poaching. Recently, three people were arrested in Zambia for capturing a mother and her baby pangolin with plans to sell them on the market.
This unfortunate incident brings attention to the increasingly endangered species that many are unfamiliar with.
Pangolins are nocturnal animals that have unique scales covering their bodies, which can be rolled up into a protective ball when threatened. They feed primarily off insects and are found in tropical regions of Africa and Asia.
Due to their secretive nature, they remain largely unknown until recently when reports of illegal trafficking surfaced, bringing awareness to the species’ plight.
Unfortunately, there has been an alarming rate of illegal trade involving pangolins over the past decade. According to Vicky Flynn from the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF), approximately 233,980 pangolins were killed between 2011 and 2013.
What’s more concerning is estimates show one million pangolins were traded illegally during this time period as demand for their meat and scales continue to grow in certain Asian markets. Moreover, Tulus Hutahuruk from Sumatra Environment and Forestry Authority reported that one pangolin is worth $375 in North Sumatra alone – emphasizing how lucrative this industry is for those who engage in it illegally despite its devastating consequences on wild populations worldwide.
Fortunately despite all odds, some cases have ended positively such as this recent rescue effort performed by Zambian authorities where they located two terrified animals clinging together inside a wooden box after a weeklong search mission.
Following this success story, both mother and baby were rehabilitated by GRI Wildlife Crime Prevention Project where they feasted on insects while slowly regaining strength before being released into Kafue National Park – the largest national park in Zambia – once fully recovered.
Thanks to social media platforms like WCP – Wildlife Crime Prevention Facebook page , attention has been brought towards animal suffering caused by poaching activities such as those experienced by these rescued pangolin pair who might’ve otherwise gone unnoticed amidst all other victims out there if not for inspiring photos posted online of these interesting creatures.
