The Plight of the Endangered Pangolin

National World Wildlife Day (March 3) may be just behind us, but that doesn't mean it's too late to talk about the plight of the pangolin, one of the world's most endangered animals.

Pangolins aren't the most well known creatures - usually animal advocates pay more attention to elephants, rhinos and tigers, for instance. These little guys are insect-eating mammals that resemble a cross somewhere between an armadillo and an artichoke. They are found in Asia and throughout Southern, Central and East Africa as well.

Unfortunately, all eight species of pangolin, whose meat is considered a high-end delicacy, are quite literally being eaten into extinction. These scaly mammals are prized for their meat, which is considered a delicacy, and their scales, which are used in traditional medicine.

"Illegal trade in wildlife has become a sophisticated transnational form of crime, comparable to other pernicious examples, such as trafficking of drugs, humans, counterfeit items and oil. It is driven by rising demand, and is often facilitated by corruption and weak governance," United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement.

According to the IUCN Red List, Asian pangolins, which consist of four species, are considered in the most immediate danger. Meanwhile, Chinese and Sunda species of the animal have been listed as "critically endangered" - in dire need of protection.

While it's difficult to determine exact population numbers, pangolins are believed to be one of the most trafficked mammals in the world. According to the US Department of State, despite legal protection, between 40,000 and 81,250 pangolins were killed for illegal trade in 2013.

What's more, in the past decade experts suspect over a million of these unique critters have been taken from the wild.

"Illegal wildlife trade undermines the rule of law and threatens national security; it degrades ecosystems and is a major obstacle to the efforts of rural communities and indigenous peoples striving to sustainably manage their natural resources," Ki-moon added. "Combatting this crime is not only essential for conservation efforts and sustainable development, it will contribute to achieving peace and security in troubled regions where conflicts are fuelled by these illegal activities."

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