What is the problem with the pangolin?

The pangolins, enigmatic creatures known for their unique appearance and armored scales, face numerous threats to their survival. Their habitats, once vast and diverse, are now being encroached upon by human agricultural activities, disrupting their natural lives and forcing them to adapt to shrinking environments.

The trafficking of pangolins for their skin and scales is a cruel and illegal practice that further exacerbates their dwindling numbers. These animals are hunted relentlessly for their body parts, which are believed to hold medicinal value in some cultures, despite lacking scientific evidence to support such claims.

Among the pangolin species, the long-tailed pangolin and Temminck's pangolin have been classified as "vulnerable" by conservation organizations. This designation highlights their precarious status and the urgent need for protective measures to prevent their decline towards extinction.

The impacts of human agriculture on pangolins are profound. As forests are cleared for farmland, the pangolins' food sources and shelter are destroyed, forcing them to search for new habitats that may not be suitable for their survival.

In addition to agriculture, transportation corridors also pose a significant threat to pangolins. Roads and railways fragment their habitats, making it difficult for them to move freely and find mates, which can lead to inbreeding and a decline in genetic diversity.