Almost three tons of pangolin scales have been seized by Chinese custom officials as they were being smuggled via Shanghai. Pangolins are considered the world's most trafficked animals.
Pangolins are truly unique creatures. They are considered mysterious, highly intelligent animals but are also considered a rare delicacy in many parts of Asia. Specifically, their scales are also regarded in traditional Chinese medicine as a treatment for boils and poor circulation.
Three people were arrested after 2.9 tons of illegal pangolin shipments were uncovered inside a container that was supposedly a carrier for African timber. To date, this is the largest amount of pangolin ever impounded in China.
Chinese state media reported that this massive amount of pangolin scales are estimated to have been obtained from killing 5,000 to 7,500 pangolins by traffickers. The pangolin is a critically endangered animal. Millions of pangolins have been snatched from the wild in the last decade, according to the IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group.
Biologists and conservationists have condemned these acts as intolerable trade due to its pharmaceutical pointlessness.
These creatures are considered scaly anteaters due to their distinct features, long tongues, and diet. These mammals are often found in tropical rain forests, dry woodlands, and savannahs.
There are eight species of pangolin all over the world especially in India, China, Southeast Asia and some regions in Africa ranging from vulnerable to critically endangered.
Pangolins belong to the Pholidota family separate from anteaters and armadillos. They are completely covered in scales that are also made from keratin which is also found in human nails.
The pangolin is also the world's most trafficked animal and those who trap, capture, kill and sell them including buyers can face 10 years in prison plus fines.
A kilogram of pangolin scales can be sold for up to almost US $445 today.