Pangolins are in high demand in southern China and Vietnam because their scales are believed to have medicinal properties in traditional Chinese and Vietnamese medicine.[51] Their meat is also considered a delicacy.[52][53][54][55][56] 100,000 are estimated to be trafficked a year to China and Vietnam,[57] amounting to over one million over the past decade.[58][59] This makes them the most trafficked animal in the world.[58][60] This, coupled with deforestation, has led to a large decrease in the numbers of pangolins. Some species, such as Manis pentadactyla have become commercially extinct in certain ranges as a result of overhunting.[61] In November 2010, pangolins were added to the Zoological Society of London's list of evolutionarily distinct and endangered mammals.[62] All eight species of pangolin are assessed as threatened by the IUCN, while three are classified as critically endangered.[11] All pangolin species are currently listed under Appendix I of CITES which prohibits international trade, except when the product is intended for non-commercial purposes and a permit has been granted.[63]
NEWS WRAP: China seizes 12 tonnes of pangolin scales canned lion hunting
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