UCLA Scientists Map the $20 Billion Global Pangolin Trade, Offering New Study for Endangered Species
By Karmactive Staff
It is not known how many white-bellied pangolins are left since it is very hard to study them in the wild.
Photo Source - Google
The global trade in illegal wildlife is a $20 billion business, conducted by sophisticated international cartels.
Photo Source - Google
The new research offers hope to international efforts aimed at ending the killing and trading of the white-bellied pangolin, said UCLA's Jen Tinsman, the paper's lead author.
Photo Source - Google
The authors wrote that most scales are first shipped to Nigeria, the major regional hub for distribution.
Photo Source - Google
In 23 countries, eight different species have been found, covering a collective range of 2.3 million square miles, and their scales are transported around the world for sale as traditional medicine.
Photo Source - Google
The researchers also said that pangolins are used in traditional medicine, but there is no evidence of its effectiveness, with a smaller portion being sold for use in exotic meals.
Photo Source - Google
Pangolins are scaly mammals, having their own branch on the evolutionary tree.