Pangolins: The Victims of Illegal Wildlife Trafficking

The demand for pangolin scales in traditional Chinese medicine has led to a surge in illegal wildlife trafficking. Sarah Stoner, director of intelligence at the Wildlife Justice Commission, highlights the alarming scale of this crime. The pangolin, an elusive and nocturnal mammal, is often hunted for its meat and scales. Criminal networks involved in pangolin trafficking have a hierarchical structure with kingpins situated at the top, often holding influential positions in governments. Efforts to disrupt these networks require targeting and prosecuting key individuals involved in the illegal trade. Despite the challenges, successful operations and convictions have been made, increasing hope for the future of pangolins.