PROJECT: SOUTH AFRICA'S PANGOLINS - A NATIONAL CRISIS IN WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING
- Isabel Spies
- 49 minutes ago
- 5 min read
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In a critical effort to protect one of South Africa's most unique and threatened species,
Specialised Security Services outlines the severe dangers facing our pangolins due to a rampant illegal wildlife trade.
Public awareness and collective action are crucial to combating this crisis, safeguarding our natural heritage,
and bringing the perpetrators of this crime to justice.
THE PROBLEM: WHY URGENT ACTION IS NECESSARY
South Africa's pangolins, particularly the Temminck's ground pangolin, are facing the threat of extinction due to a devastating and sophisticated illegal trade.
Key issues include:
UNPRECEDENTED POACHING PRESSURE:
Pangolins are now the world's most trafficked mammal.
South Africa's population is being targeted to supply international criminal networks.
HIGH PROFIT AND LOW RISK:
The perceived high value of their scales and meat, driven by demand in East Asia, makes poaching highly lucrative, while the risk of detection and prosecution has historically been low.
ECOLOGICAL CRISES:
As ecosystem engineers, pangolins play a vital role in controlling insect populations and aerating the soil. Their loss would have a devastating ripple effect on our natural environment.
BRUTAL METHODS:
Poaching methods are exceptionally cruel, often involving the beating and burning of pangolins to force them out of their protective scales.
Driven by the need for a coordinated and powerful response, this project aims to mobilise the public, support conservation bodies, and assist law enforcement in the fight to save this iconic species.
KEY DETAILS OF THE PANGOLIN CRISIS:
THE CORE ISSUE:
Pangolins are hunted and trafficked for their scales, falsely believed to have medicinal properties in some traditional practices, and for their meat, considered a luxury item.
THE TRAFFICKING ROUTE:
Poached primarily in Southern Africa, pangolins and their scales are smuggled out through major ports and airports, often to East Asia.
LEGAL PROTECTION:
All pangolin species are listed under Appendix I of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), which prohibits all international commercial trade.
SEVERE PENALTIES:
In South Africa, pangolin poaching and trafficking carry severe sentences, including fines of up to R10 million and up to 10 years in prison for a first offence.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has dedicated units, such as the Endangered Species Unit, working to dismantle these syndicates.
CONSERVATION STATUS:
The Temminck's ground pangolin is classified as Vulnerable to Extinction in South Africa, with populations in rapid decline.
HOW THE ILLEGAL TRADE WORKS & KEY CHALLENGES:
The illegal pangolin trade is a complex, organised criminal enterprise.
THE ILLICIT SUPPLY CHAIN:
Poaching: Local poachers, often recruited from impoverished communities, use dogs and snares to capture pangolins in the wild.
Middlemen: The pangolins are sold to intermediaries who consolidate the live animals or scales.
International Trafficking: Criminal syndicates use sophisticated methods to smuggle the contraband, hiding scales in legal shipments like timber or metal ore.
Online Black Markets: A significant portion of the trade has moved to encrypted online platforms and social media, making it harder to track.
KEY CHALLENGES:
Lack of Awareness: Many citizens are unaware of the pangolin's existence or the severity of the crisis.
Difficulty in Detection: Pangolin scales are difficult to identify, and live animals are hard to care for, leading to high mortality rates during trafficking.
Corruption: The high profits involved can lead to corruption at various points, including ports and within government agencies.
HOW TO HELP PROTECT SOUTH AFRICA'S PANGOLINS:
BE THE EYES AND EARS:
If you see pangolins for sale (live, scales, or meat) in markets, online, or anywhere else, report it immediately. Your anonymity is protected.
REDUCE DEMAND:
Educate friends and family, both locally and internationally, that pangolin scales have no proven medicinal value and that buying them fuels a cruel and devastating trade.
SUPPORT THE HEROES:
Donate to or volunteer with reputable conservation and anti-poaching organisations on the front lines.
SHARE RESPONSIBLY:
Use social media to raise awareness by sharing factual information from official sources.
Do not share videos or images that glorify owning pangolins as pets.
LEAD BY EXAMPLE:
Encourage your community to value and protect our indigenous wildlife.
Safer ecosystems benefit everyone.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION OR WANT TO HELP:
1. REPORT CRIMES:
If you witness a pangolin being poached or offered for sale, it is an emergency.
DO NOT intervene directly.
Contact the authorities immediately.
Emergency Hotline: 10111
The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) Wildlife Crime Hotline: 0800 205 005 (Toll-free, anonymous)
HAWKS Crime Hotline: 082 455 0000
2. SUPPORT OFFICIAL ORGANISATIONS:
For reliable information and to offer support, always refer to the official platforms of these key groups:
The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT)
African Pangolin Working Group
TRAFFIC (the Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network)
SANParks (South African National Parks)
3. STAY INFORMED:
Follow the social media and news channels of the above organisations for updates on conservation efforts and the state of South Africa's pangolins.
By understanding this crisis, every South African can be better equipped to recognise the threats, report criminal activity,
and play their part in preserving our irreplaceable natural heritage for future generations.
Stay vigilant, stay informed, and help us protect the pangolin.
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Mike Bolhuis
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