The Nigerian Conservation Foundation, NCF, has reached out to media professionals for them to raise awareness on the need for pangolin conservation.
This is as Nigeria joins the international Community to commemorate World Pangolin Day on Saturday, February 19, 2022.
In a release by its Head of Communications, Mr. Oladapo Soneye, the foundation which expressed dismay at the rate of trafficking and killing of the useful wild animal, noted that if drastic measures are not taken to conserve them, the organisms could go extinct soonest.
According to the foundation, “NCF is putting spotlight on Pangolin as the world commemorates World Pangolin Day on Saturday, February 19, 2022.
“Unfortunately, though an amazing animal, all the eight species of pangolin are under so much threat that they could go extinct soonest if drastic steps are not taken. It’s discovered currently as the most trafficked mammal globally.
“NCF is seeking your help in creating huge awareness about the need for Pangolin conservation. Stop the killing, stop the trading”.
It urged that media partners should pacify awareness creation on the global event using the hashtags;
#ncfspeciesspotlight
#worldpangolinday2022
A publication by the World Wildlife Fund says “Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals in the world.
“Over the past decade, over a million pangolins have been illegally taken from the wild to feed demand in China and Vietnam.
“The word Pangolin comes from ‘penggulung,’ the Malay word for roller – the action a pangolin takes in self-defense. A startled pangolin will cover its head with its front legs, exposing its scales to any potential predator. If touched or grabbed it will roll up completely into a ball, while the sharp scales on the tail can be used to lash out.
“Pangolins are also referred to as ‘scaly anteaters’ because of their preferred diet – ants.
“All eight pangolin species are protected under national and international laws, and two are listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
“In China and Vietnam, pangolins are highly prized by consumers for their meat and their unique scales.
“While they are a potent defence against predators, their scales are useless against poachers, and all eight species in Asia and Africa are now under threat.
“Their meat is considered a delicacy, while their scales are used in traditional Chinese medicine as they are believed to treat a range of ailments from asthma to rheumatism and arthritis.
“However, the illegal widlife trade is still a threat to pangolins.
