Pangolins, elusive and solitary mammals marked by their distinctive keratin scales, arrive at a harsh reality in Nigeria. These creatures are well-known around the globe for their keratinized scales, which are prized in traditional medicine. Like the vast majority of them, they’re mostly killed for their meat. This unfortunate shift in focus puts all eight pangolin species at risk. All three of these species are considered threatened and list on IUCN’s Red List.
Pangolins are found across much of Africa and Asia. They may seem similar to big house cats, but their keratin scales make them unique. These scales have rendered them a high-profile target for illegal wildlife trade, especially in Asian markets. In Nigeria, the prevailing cultural perception of pangolins is strongly centered on their status as desirable cuisine. New data show that 98% of Nigerian pangolins are trapped for consumption rather than for their more highly desired scales.
Culinary Appeal of Pangolin Meat
Pangolin meat is highly coveted in many African communities. In fact, it has been ranked as one of the most delicious meats in the country, with local populations calling it one of the best tasting proteins there is. It’s a lot of the known species culinary research demonstrating to humans just how incredibly delicious the three major African pangolin species are. They consistently score their meat nearly a nine out of ten!
Specifically, the giant pangolin has developed a reputation as the most delicious choice in the area. Local markets are a testament to this acute consumer preference. Pangolin meat commands prices three to four times that of their scales. This trend suggests that the economic incentives favor hunting for meat rather than engaging in illegal trade for the animal’s scales.
About two-thirds of the scales that are harvested from these pangolins are thrown away, and only a small fraction of those sold. This reflects a shocking misallocation of taxpayer dollars. Not only would we get more from these scarce resources, but we would do it by aligning market demand to promote more sustainable use of all parts of the animal.
Threats Facing Pangolins
Sadly, for all their gastronomical desirability, pangolins have never needed saving more than they do now. Hunting for bushmeat has become a significant risk to these species. When paired with habitat loss and illegal hunting for their scales, the crisis deepens. According to recent estimates, an average of 21,000 pangolins were poached annually in Nigeria’s Cross River Forest area. Here’s how this alarming trend played out from 2020 to 2023.
Charles Emogor, a leading Nigerian conservationist, sounds an important warning. He profoundly reminds us that losing these species would mean losing 80 million years of evolution. None more so than the pangolin, the only mammal with scales. It’s home to an amazing evolutionary history that stretches back to the age of dinosaurs.
The pangolin’s public relations disaster is worsened by the fact that all eight species are considered endangered to some degree. Three Asian species are listed as critically endangered because of widespread poaching and deforestation. Fortunately, the international community understands that now is the time to address these problems. They are hard at work implementing innovative conservation strategies to help save these amazing creatures.
Conservation Efforts and Future Outlook
Conservationists are working around the clock to spread the word about pangolins’ tragic fate. At the same time, they are encouraging more sustainable practices in hunting and trade. Educational campaigns aim to shift local perceptions away from viewing pangolins purely as a source of meat and towards recognizing their ecological importance.
There is a strong focus on improving law enforcement against illegal wildlife trade through increased action in those areas where poaching is still a serious challenge. Collaboration between local communities, governments, and international organizations is crucial to ensure that pangolins do not vanish from their natural habitats.