Recently, China Customs has confiscated 21 smuggling Malay pangolins which have been sent to Guangdong provincial Wildlife Rescue Center for further treatment. Over the past 20 days, 17 pangolins have died, and there are only 4 left, a reality which makes us heartbreaking.
“We have no time to lose when it comes to pangolin rescue.” On April 16, Zhou Jinfeng, Secretary-General of China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF), hold a teleconference with Alexi, Director of African Pangolin Working Group, to discuss the work of pangolin rescue.
1. Everything matters in pangolin rescue.
Cozy feeding environment, clean cushion, nutritious fodder, differences in the digestive system of various pangolins, temperature, ventilation, separated feeding management, monitoring, the establishment of qualified rescue institution, cooperation…All these need to be taken into consideration. The expert said that there is really very little chance that smuggling pangolins live more than two weeks after being confiscated. Indeed, many of them die off since they have been rescued by Guangdong provincial Wildlife Rescue Center. CBCGDF hopes to join hands with other animal organizations to save pangolins. According to the expert, the pangolin is timid, and it is sensitive to the environment. That means any change in the environment can affect its life. Alexis suggests to create a relatively private space and provide a warm blanket for pangolins. Moreover, it is also necessary to prepare different types of ants as fodder. If pangolins have not eaten for a long time, then rescue worker could try to feed them by tubes. Dr. Zhou also consults about releasing pangolins into the wild and expresses sincere appreciation to Alexis. CBCGDF has set up pangolin rescue bases in Yunnan, Guangxi, and other provinces with the assistance of local governments, political institutions, and enterprises. The establishment of a rescue base paves the way for future pangolin release. CBCGDF is also working on setting up specialized pangolin rescue centers and hopes that more social organizations and experts will join us.
2. Information publication and public participation are the key points.
Information publication and public participation will eradicate threats to pangolins. At the teleconference, Alexis asks whether relevant Chinese governmental departments have been transparent enough in wildlife conservation or not. Dr. Zhou replied that wildlife protection in China is not transparent enough, and CBCGDF has been committed to promoting the information disclosure on wildlife protection over the past years. To achieve this goal, CBCGDF filed multiple lawsuits against relevant institutions and appeals to formulate specialized regulations on pangolin conservation. In China, there are black markets for pangolin trade because it is a rare animal, and many Chinese people regard pangolin as a godsend for nutrition supplement. Nowadays, many people are realizing the truth that pangolin is engendered, but CBCGDF believes it has the duty to make more people know this. If there is no commercial need for pangolin consumption, then illegal pangolin poaching and trade will subsequently diminish. In order to reveal pangolins’ living condition in Nigeria, CBCGDF held the press release of Pangolins International Trade Investigating Volunteer “African Warrior” Report on April 19.
When hearing from the news that Guangdong provincial Wildlife Rescue Center is rescuing the confiscated pangolins, the Pangolin Working Group of CBCGDF immediately applied to engage in rescuing pangolins. Now, Sophia, the Pangolin Girl of CBCGDF, and other volunteers are working in the frontline in Guangzhou.
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(Photo credit: CBCGDF)
Original Chinese article:
http://www.cbcgdf.org/NewsShow/4937/8380.html
By / Wang Yanqing