To the Chairman of the 70th CITES Standing Committee:

I am the "Pangolin Girl" Sophia from the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF). I have been paying close attention to pangolin conservation. I would like to take this opportunity to elaborate my four recommendations on pangolin conservation for the future.

 1. I would like to recommend setting up an international research institute/center for the detection of DNA methylation.

This type of genetic testing of all confiscated pangolin samples (including parts of their products) is necessary for scientific research, including the identification of the origin of those pangolins to promote species protection, and to develop technical services for deportation. CBCGDF is willing to participate.

 2. I would like to recommend that all confiscated pangolin carcasses be destroyed.

 If not destroyed, the flow of carcasses into the market through the black market will stimulate demand again.

 3. I would like to recommend that the confiscated pangolin scales be burned.

 I believe that the customs of all countries should be to burn the confiscated pangolin scales to destroy the value chain, just like is done with ivory. This is to convey a strong and clear message to the world to prevent illegal poaching of pangolins from the beginning.

 4. I would like to recommend releasing the confiscated living pangolins back to the wild.

 At present, pangolin farming has not been successful, but instead, it gives possible justification for illegal transactions. For those confiscated living pangolins without apparent injury, I believe that they should be released within three days of confiscation and the release should be subject to public and media supervision. For those pangolins that are apparently injured, after the completion of the necessary medical care, they should also be released as soon as possible.

 There are still quite a few problems in the pangolin rescue and rearing process, and from our research, the main cause of death is the unsuitability of the artificial environment, and the pangolin’s excessive stress response from humans. For the pangolins that are confiscated and rescued, all should be released to the wild. If releasing to the wild is not an option, then they should be released to areas similar to the original pangolin habitat.

(Photo: CBCGDF)

By / Shuya, Gary