The most unique and peculiar animal in the world- the Sunda Pangolin, is going extinct because of us. For many years, the Sunda Pangolins were persistently poached and used in illegal trades for their scales and meat, resulting in the reality we face today- the Sunda Pangolins are critically endangered and listed on the IUCN red list, declining in population rapidly. They may go extinct within 10 years (2033). 

Today, the Sunda Pangolin is extremely rare and is considered nearly extinct. These scaly-skinned mammals have been around for about 80 million years. There are eight species of pangolins still in existence today, however, the Suna Pangolin is in critical danger. Since 2000, China and Vietnam have had high demands for the scales and meat of the pangolin. Despite the lack of evidence to support their effectiveness, people still use them in traditional Chinese medicine. Consequently, millions of pangolins are being taken from the wild. With this in mind, the most trafficked mammal in the world is believed to be the pangolin. Unfortunately, if people do not stop the poaching and illegal trading of the pangolins, their population will decline by an astounding 80% in the next two decades. 

In 2015, many pangolins were selling at a black market in Sumatra Indonesia. 10 live pangolins were dropped off at the market by A SINGLE hunter in ONE DAY. Sixty crates lined the floor and inside contained “stressed, scared, and dehydrated pangolins pacing back and forth. Some curled up in fear” recorded Paul Hilton, a witness at the scene. There were freezers filled with pangolins left in random plastic bags and boxes. In conclusion, Paul Hilton recorded that “a total of 96 live animals were found, including five tons of frozen pangolins, 77 kilograms (approx. 170 pounds) of scales with an estimated street value of $1.8 million”. (Hilton) We must fight to stop these black markets all over Asia. 

However, with the help of science and conservation biology, there is hope for the Sunda Pangolins!!! The science of conservation biology has a distinct and goal-oriented focus on halting the loss of biological diversity at the species, community, and ecosystem levels. Conservation biologists examine population threats to a species that is at risk of extinction and develop strategies to counter those threats and create or maintain self-sustaining populations. However, there are very few studies showing that conservation biologists are trying to save the Sunda Pangolins. 

Sign this petition to request governments in Asia to BAN ALL BLACK MARKETS SELLING SUNDA PANGOLINS and help raise awareness among conservation biologists about the Sunda Pangolins and save them with SCIENCE! ***PLEASE SHARE WIDELY ACROSS ALL PLATFORMS!!***