NEWS WRAP: China seizes 12 tonnes of pangolin scales, investigates possible coronavirus origin

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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