World Pangolin Day: What conservationists had to say

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

Environmental organisations have called on continuous education about the importance of conserving pangolins as they continue to be classified under of the most endangered species.

Various organisations across the country took to their social media platforms to celebrate the globally recognised day to celebrate their successes in a bid to rescue, rehabilitate, and rewild orphaned and injured animals in the country including the pangolins.

World Pangolin Day is celebrated on the third of every Saturday in February.

Below is what selected organisations had to say:

Wild is Life Trust and Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery

“It is critical that we take the plight of these very important animals seriously as all eight species of pangolins are now threatened with extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).”

Bhejane Trust

“Celebrating World Pangolin Day… Today we raise awareness of the most highly trafficked wildlife species on the continent – the African Pangolin.

“Thank you to all conservationists, protectors, supporters and donors with your assistance in helping us protect our pangolins.

These pangolins were photographed being handed over to the authorities by community members who found them in the rural areas and are being released back into the wild National Parks. ”

Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust

“As we celebrate these critically endangered mammals, many of whom we have cared for, we can’t forget the one special case that came to the Trust back in 2017 (https://bit.ly/3Keh6rR) which later became known as “Moyo.

“We are grateful to have been able to have played a role in the rescue of this creature and that the beautiful, scaly, ant-eating animal was later released within a secure protected area.

Let’s share some amazing fun facts about pangolins as we celebrate them!

Did you know?

1. Pangolin scales have no magic properties.

2. A single pangolin can consume about 70 million ants per year

3. Pangolins have no teeth.

4. They are the most trafficked non-human mammals in the world.

5. They have no external ears yet they can hear very well.

6. Their scales make up about 20% of their weight and are made of keratin.

7. Pangolin tongue can reach up to 41 centimeters.