About Pangolins:

• Globally there are eight pangolin species, four each in Africa and Asia. India is home to two species – Indian pangolin (Endangered) and Chinese pangolin (Critically Endangered).
• Pangolins, also known as scaly anteaters, are toothless and nocturnal mammals covered in protective keratin scales. 
• They defend themselves by curling into a ball and primarily feed on ants and termites using their strong front claws and sharp sense of smell.
• “Ecosystem Engineers” – their burrows improve soil health (aeration, moisture, organic content).
• Burrows support biodiversity – over 30 other species use pangolin burrows as shelter.
• Pangolins are legally protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which bans their hunting and trade within India. Since 2017, they have also been listed in Appendix I of CITES, prohibiting their international commercial trade.

News

• A new report by the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) highlights a sharp drop in global trafficking of pangolin scales and elephant ivory after 2020.

Reasons for Decline:

• COVID-19 disruptions to global trade.
• Sustained law enforcement efforts and tighter regulations (e.g., China’s ivory ban in 2017).
• Changing smuggling tactics (shift to smaller shipments, sea freight, and encrypted communications).
• Falling prices of wildlife products and increased risk for traffickers.

Ongoing Concerns:

• Possible intelligence gaps in Asian trafficking routes.
• Traffickers adapting with new methods, including social media and smaller, more discreet shipments.