Pangolins on the Brink: How We Can Help Save These Endangered Animals

Pangolins are small, nocturnal animals native to Africa and Asia. They are known for their unique scales made of keratin, which they use to defend themselves from predators. However, pangolins are now the most heavily poached mammal in the world and are at risk of extinction due to illegal hunting and habitat destruction.

Dr. Joel Berger, a scientist who has studied pangolins for over three decades, has witnessed the devastating impact of human actions on these animals. "Pangolins are being poached at an alarming rate," he says. "Their scales are highly sought after in some parts of Asia, and their meat is considered a delicacy. The illegal trade in pangolins is driving these animals to the brink of extinction."

The problem is vast, with an estimated one million pangolins taken from the wild in the past decade alone. All eight species of pangolin are now listed as either endangered or critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List.

But it's not just pangolins that are at risk. The illegal trade in pangolins is also having an impact on other species and ecosystems. "Pangolins are an important part of the ecosystem, and their loss can have cascading effects on other species and the health of the environment," says Dr. Berger.

As Sir David Attenborough reminds us, "We have to recognise that every breath of air we take, every mouthful of food we take, comes from the natural world. And if we damage the natural world, we damage ourselves. We are one coherent ecosystem. It's not just a question of beauty, or interest, or wonder - the essential ingredient of human life is a healthy planet. We are in danger of wrecking that. We are destroying the natural world, and with it ourselves."

So what can we do to help protect pangolins and other endangered species? It's essential that we all do our part to protect the environment and take steps to reduce our impact on it. Here are a few things you can do to make a difference:

• Learn about the importance of preserving biodiversity and the threats facing pangolins and other endangered species.

• Support organisations that are working to protect pangolins and other endangered species.

• Avoid products made from animal parts, including pangolin scales.

• Recycle and reduce waste to help preserve natural habitats.

• Support sustainable agriculture and forestry practices to reduce habitat destruction.

By taking these simple steps, we can all play a role in protecting pangolins and other endangered species, and help preserve the health of our planet for future generations. As Dr. Berger says, "We all have a responsibility to take action and ensure that these animals have a future."

Another scientist, Dr. Lucy Spelman, also emphasises the importance of protecting pangolins. "Pangolins are a keystone species, playing a vital role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems" she says. "It's crucial that we do everything we can to protect these amazing animals and the ecosystems they inhabit."

By working together and taking action, we can make a real difference in the fight to protect pangolins and other endangered species. Let's make a commitment to preserving the health of our planet and the creatures that call it home.