Pangolin Day: Wild Africa Calls for Pangolin Protection, Stronger Legislation Against Wildlife Crime

Wild Africa has urged for the protection of pangolins from extinction and increased support for legislative efforts to combat wildlife trafficking.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Lagos, Festus Iyorah, Wild Africa’s Nigeria Representative, emphasized the urgent need to safeguard pangolins, which are protected under both national and international laws, including a 2016 ban on their commercial trade.

Iyorah highlighted that the high demand for pangolin scales—particularly for use in traditional medicine in Asia—and their meat as a delicacy is driving the species toward extinction.

“Nigeria has become a major global export hub for pangolin scales, accounting for 55% of global pangolin scale seizures between 2016 and 2019,” he stated.

Dr. Mark Ofua, Wild Africa’s West Africa Spokesperson, underscored the importance of reversing this trend:

“It is not too late to change the narrative and reposition Nigeria from being a trafficking hub to a leading protector of pangolins. This is a shared responsibility.

“No action is too small—whether it’s discouraging the illegal bushmeat trade or supporting stronger wildlife protection laws.”

Raising Awareness and Strengthening Legislation

As part of its efforts to increase awareness, Wild Africa is leveraging media campaigns across radio, television, billboards, and public service announcements.

The initiative features prominent Nigerian ambassadors like 2Baba, Emmanuella, and Ali Baba to educate the public on pangolin conservation and their vital role in the ecosystem.

Nigeria has also made significant strides in addressing the illegal pangolin trade through new legislative measures.

In early 2024, the country introduced the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, which recently passed its second reading.

If enacted, it will impose stricter penalties for wildlife trafficking, including the illegal trade of pangolin scales.

Authorities Ramp Up Enforcement Efforts.

In December 2024, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) arrested a suspected pangolin scale trafficker and confiscated 2.179 tonnes of pangolin scales—equivalent to about 1,100 pangolins.

Since July 2021, NCS and its partners have conducted 16 operations, leading to 35 arrests and 12 convictions, seizing a total of 21,582 tonnes of pangolin scales.

Global Efforts and Conservation Concerns
Despite these efforts, the demand for pangolin scales remains high, particularly in China, where they are falsely believed to have medicinal properties.

In its recent submission to the 78th Meeting of the UN CITES Standing Committee (February 3-8, 2025), China proposed a 90% reduction in pharmaceutical and hospital use of pangolin scales by 2026, along with a 50% cut in overall medicinal use, setting an annual consumption quota of one metric tonne.

While conservationists acknowledge this as progress, they warn that even a small legal quota could continue to fuel illegal trafficking.

Peter Knights, OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Wild Africa, stressed the need for a full phase-out:

“China must eliminate all pangolin scale use, as viable alternatives exist in traditional medicine.

The lack of transparency around sourcing remains a major issue. Africa must also step up law enforcement efforts to keep pangolins off the illegal bushmeat market.”

The Vital Role of Pangolins in the Ecosystem

Pangolins play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.

They consume vast amounts of ants, termites, and other insects—an estimated 70 million per pangolin per year—helping control insect populations and protecting forests from termite destruction.

Beyond pest control, pangolins contribute to soil health by aerating and enriching it as they burrow.

Their disappearance could have devastating effects on biodiversity and ecosystem stability.

A Call to Action

On World Pangolin Day, Wild Africa is urging the Nigerian public to take an active role in conservation efforts.

This includes reporting illegal wildlife trade, discouraging bushmeat consumption, and supporting local conservation initiatives.

Protecting pangolins is not just about saving an endangered species—it is about preserving biodiversity, safeguarding ecosystems, and ensuring long-term environmental and economic stability.