India's Pangolins buried in Illegal Wildlife Trade

TRAFFIC and WWF-India released findings compiled in a Factsheet titled "India's pangolin buried in illegal wildlife trade" ahead of World Pangolin Day on 18 February 2023. The communique highlights general information about the species, legal and conservation status, and the threat from illegal wildlife trade.

India reports a significant number of pangolin trafficking incidents reflected by seizures across the country. They are poached mainly for international markets in China and Southeast Asia for their scales, which are used as an ingredient in traditional medicines and are believed to cure various ailments. Pangolin meat is also considered a delicacy and consumed for its alleged medicinal properties."

Dr Merwyn Fernandes, Coordinator of TRAFFIC's India OfficeTwenty-four states and one Union Territory reported seizures of pangolins and their derivatives from 2018-2022, according to the latest Factsheet. Odisha reported the highest number of seizure incidences involving the largest number of pangolins and derivatives in illegal wildlife trade in India (equivalent to 154 pangolins in 74 seizures). It was followed by Maharashtra (135 pangolins in 47 seizure incidents).

Seizure incidences included live pangolins and their derivatives, such as scales, carcasses, skins, claws, meat, bones and other body parts. About 50% of the seizure incidences included live pangolins, while more than 40% included pangolin scales.

India is home to two pangolin species, the Indian Pangolin and Chinese Pangolin, both of which continue to be found in illicit trade despite having legal protection. As reported in our latest Factsheet, the number of pangolin seizure incidents is a cause of concern for the survival of this elusive species, for which there is limited information on population status and distribution. There is an imperative need to focus on pangolins, strengthen their protection and conservation for their future survival."

Mr Ravi Singh, Secretary General & CEO, WWF-India

The Factsheet stresses the need to address the demand for pangolins in consumer countries and strengthen enforcement actions within India and internationally to deter trade. These steps would play an essential role in safeguarding the future of the species in the wild and preserving the significant ecological role they play in their habitat.