Shobana Kesava, Straits Times 3 Jul 08;
WITH China's appetite for exotic meats escalating, the pangolin, already an endangered species, is being systematically wiped out, say wildlife groups.
The animals, once common across Asia, could become extinct unless governments do more to stop poaching, said Mr Chris Shepherd, senior programme officer with wildlife group Traffic South-east Asia.
'They could become extinct at any time because captive breeding is impossible and they are one of the most heavily traded species in Asia despite a complete ban,' he said.
Mr Shepherd was one of 80 government representatives, educators and scientists gathered in Singapore for a three-day workshop to discuss ways to save the pangolin.
It is unclear how many are left in the wild, and poachers have expanded their hunt for the mammals to places like Indonesia. In March, 23 tonnes of pangolin carcasses and scales were seized in Vietnam, the preferred border crossing to China.
Consumers want their meat and skin for food and medicine. Their hides are touted as traditional cures for asthma and stomach ailments and are even prized by new mothers who have problems breastfeeding.
The experts gathered here called on enforcement agencies in the region to work together to stop the illegal pangolin trade.
Researchers said they have also developed a genetic technique to identify all eight pangolin species, which could help track poachers.
The work was presented on Monday by Dr Luo Shu Jin, from the National Institutes of Health in the United States.
'Different species come from different regions of the world, so this study will reveal patterns in smuggling and where they are most threatened,' she said.
A director at the National Parks Board, Ms Sharon Chan, estimates that there are about 50 pangolins left in Singapore. Three are being studied at the Singapore Zoo.
The workshop, sponsored by Wildlife Reserves Singapore, ended yesterday.
Related articles and links
Pangolins in Singapore
Our Pangolin on the Wildlife Singapore website
Norman Lim's study of our Pangolins on the Department of Biological Sciences NUS website.
Pangolin at Bukit Panjang Straits Times 30 Jan 08;
Pulau Ubin: Illegal animal traps getting bigger Tracy Sua, Straits Times 8 Jan 08;
Tekong's treasures Chang Ai-Lien The Straits Times 25 Apr 05
Pangolins in general
Tons of pangolins seized in a week WWF 21 Mar 08;
Thailand saves pangolins bound for China restaurants Yahoo News 10 Nov 07;
