Pangolin is a wild animal listed in the Red Book and is the most trafficked animal in the world. Vietnam has this animal.

The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) has just announced the successful rescue of nearly 20,000 wild animals, including many endangered or protected species, including pangolins, scaly mammals. Among the rescued species, pangolins are the most alarming case.

The operation is part of a global campaign to combat wildlife and forestry trafficking.

Operation Thunder 2024, led by INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization, brought together law enforcement agencies from 138 countries, including police, customs, border patrol and forest protection agencies. Thousands of birds, turtles, reptiles, primates and big cats were seized.

Among the rescued species, pangolins are the most alarming case of rare wildlife.

The pangolin is the world's most trafficked mammal, a vital link in an underground economy that spans several continents.

Pangolin scales, whose keratin component is highly valued in traditional medicine, are especially valuable in some Asian countries.

In addition, pangolin meat is considered a delicacy in some countries, while pangolin skin is used to produce high-end leather products in the US and Europe.

A pangolin - a rare wild animal listed in the Red Book - was successfully released back into a suitable natural environment. Photo: VNA

The illegal pangolin trade has become a global crisis, extending far beyond the mammal's native range in Africa and Asia.

China and the United States are the two main partners in this trade, although each country imports differently.

Europe, especially Germany, France, Belgium and the Netherlands, play a direct role in the trafficking of African pangolins to Asian markets.

Addressing the illegal pangolin trade is not only a conservation issue, but also a national and international security issue. Countries involved need to increase cooperation, information sharing and tighten border management.

In addition, efforts to change consumer perceptions, especially in Asian countries, are important. Awareness campaigns and scientific research proving the real effects of pangolin scales will help reduce demand.

Without timely intervention, pangolins could soon disappear from the wild.

Source: https://danviet.vn/te-te-la-dong-vat-hoang-da-co-ten-trong-sach-do-bi-buon-ban-nhieu-nhat-the-gioi-vn-co-con-thu-nay-20250228144457816.htm