Skip to main content

How Much Attention Is Being Paid To Pangolin Trafficking?

In a preamble to this article written below, Nigerians and others alike need to know much more about the challenges and dangers Pangolin Trafficking is doing to the world.

In a news publication last year, 2021 by Vanguard Newspaper, men of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) revealed that 1,104.5kg of Pangolin scales worth N1.728 billion were intercepted. The full news story is found in this link Pangolin Trafficking in Nigeria

Pangolins are mammals just like human beings. Pangolins have scaly body, and wrap up into a ball to protect themselves against predators. Pangolins are also called 'scaly anteater' because of their unending appetite for ants. 
In further describing what Pangolins are, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) defined Pangolins as "animals which have no teeth. Pangolins pick up food with their sticky tongues, which can sometimes reach lengths greater than their body."

Based on scientific findings and research, Pangolin family is further broken down into genus and species. The singular of Pangolins is Pangolin. Pangolins have three genera (singular:genus) namely: Phataginus, Smutsia and Manis, just as human beings have Homo, as their genus name. In addition, while the specie name of human beings is sapiens, Pangolins have various species.

The scientific name (combination of genus and species) of human beings is Homo sapiens, while examples of the scientific names of three different species of Pangolins found in Nigeria and some sub-Saharan African countries include: Smutsia gigantea, called the giant ground pangolin; Phataginus tetradactyla, known as the black-bellied tree pangolin and, Phataginus tricuspis, called the white-bellied tree pangolin.

Pangolins are found in Nigeria
Pangolins are found in Nigeria


Pangolins are found in some states in Nigeria such as Ogun, Benue, Kwara, Taraba, Kogi, and Niger. In recent times, notorious activities of Pangolin traffickers have been reported in Ogun state, South-West Nigeria.

Nigeria, a country in sub-Saharan Africa, has one of the largest numbers of Pangolins. Recently, some of the Pangolins found in Nigeria, are being endangered as a result of poaching and trafficking. In a publication on November 4, 2021 by Sciencedaily.com, it stated that "with Asian species (of Pangolins) dangerously depleted, global black markets have turned to Africa, and Nigeria has become the continent's pangolin trafficking 'hub'. Nigeria-linked pangolin seizures in the last decade alone amount to at least 800,000 -- but possibly close to a million." 

The challenges of poaching and trafficking of Pangolins will continue to rear its ugly head, because there is a high demand for Pangolins' meat, as well as their scales for fashion and ornaments in some Asian countries such as China and Vietnam.

Going forward, more efforts should be put in place by authorities in Nigeria to checkmate the poaching and trafficking of Pangolins. This is vital because a depletion or extinction of Pangolins would have a negative impact on the ecosystem, as Pangolins help control ants population. Therefore, all anthropogenic activities leading to the depletion and trafficking of Pangolins in Nigeria, and other countries should be put to a stop.

Oladele Hakeem Olaniyan , who lives in Nigeria wrote this article

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

#RamadanDailyDigest: Breaking Bad Habits With Sunnah - Why Ramadan Is The Best Time To Turn New Leaf (Ramadan Day 15)

Just as #RamadanDailyDigest has given different insights into different aspects of Islam from Ramadan Day 1 to 14, it will continue with Ramadan Day 15, which makes it half of the sacred month of fasting. We have reached the middle of this blessed month. We have arrived at a powerful checkpoint for self-evaluation. We have ascended to a spiritual position that should make us closer to Allah. Have we reduced our bad habits ? Have we strengthened our Sunnah practices? Have we increased in more acts of worship? READ THIS TOO: #RamadanDailyDigest: Do You Know The Beautiful Names Of Allah? Daily Reflection For Every Muslim (Ramadan Day 14) Ramadan is not just about fasting; it is a divine opportunity to reset spiritually, mentally, and behaviourally. It is the best time to break away from destructive habits and replace them with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Why Ramadan Is the Best Time to Break Away from Bad Habits Allah says in the Glorious Qur'an (2:183): “O you who believe, f...
Post a Comment
Read more

#RamadanDailyDigest: What Roles Should Families And Communities Play In Ramadan? (Ramadan Day 17)

On Ramadan Day 17, #RamadanDailyDigest dived into the responsibilities of families and communities during the holy month of Ramadan. This is often described as a personal spiritual journey , however, it is also a powerful community experience.  From shared Iftar meals to congregational prayers and acts of charity, the blessed month strengthens the relationships between families, neighbours, and the larger Muslim Ummah. On Ramadan Day 17, it is important to reflect on the role that families and communities should play in making Ramadan spiritually meaningful and socially impactful. READ THIS TOO: #RamadanDailyDigest: Creating Ramadan Schedules That Work All The Time (Ramadan Day 16) Allah reminds the believers in the Glorious Qur'an (49:10) that: “The believers are but brothers, so make peace between your brothers and fear Allah that you may receive mercy.”  The blessed month of Ramadan provides the perfect environment for nurturing this brotherhood and unity. Ramadan Begins at...
Post a Comment
Read more

Not Just The Hype: 5 Undeniable Reasons Your Brand Needs Dedicated Content Writers

In today's digital ecosystem, the slogan is simple: content is currency . Yet, as the noise of constant online chatter increases, merely having content is no longer enough. Brands must transcend traditional marketing and embrace the power of what is often called "brand journalism." This pivot requires more than just a copywriter. It demands a skilled, dedicated  content writer whose work is rooted in journalistic integrity, deep storytelling, and a strategic understanding of your brand's unique narrative. ​If you’re relying solely on press releases or sporadic blog posts, you are leaving an enormous amount of organic visibility and audience connection on the table. The shift from selling to informing is the key to building trust and establishing genuine authority. Here are five undeniable reasons why investing in a specialized news content writer is not just a luxury, but a critical necessity for any forward-thinking brand aiming for sustainable growth and market ...
Post a Comment
Read more