The most distinguishing feature of pangolins is their armor-like scales—which protect them from natural predators—yet it’s these very scales that make pangolins so highly coveted by unnatural predators, like poachers. There is a high demand for pangolin scales in Asian markets, primarily China and Vietnam, where they are used in the creation of traditional medicines. Science has debunked any long-standing assertions that these scales hold any curative properties, but the demand for pangolin scales hasn’t slowed down.
Araluen “Azza” Schunmann, Director of the Pangolin Crisis Fund (PCF), provides more information about the use of pangolins in traditional medicines and what the PCF is doing to help stop this harmful practice in the video below.
Only by raising awareness about the insignificance of pangolin scales as an ingredient in traditional medicine can the demand that drives the illegal pangolin trade be diminished. With the release of Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey, a new documentary from filmmaker Pippa Ehrlich (My Octopus Teacher) on Netflix, we hope more people around the world will learn about the threats that pangolins face from traditional medicine usage and are inspired to help protect these incredible animals.