Why are pangolins so sought after in China?

Pangolins are the most trafficked mammal in the world, in large part due to demand from Chinese consumers. Scientists are pointing to these peculiar creatures as a possible source of the coronavirus outbreak in China, where a temporary ban on all wildlife trade is now in force. Could this mean fresh hope for pangolins? Why are they so sought-after? And why, despite laws preventing their trade, have they been hunted to the point of extinction?

Guests:

Jiaming Xu, The Pangolin Reports

Tin Htet Paing, Myanmar Now

Wander Meijer, Globescan

Dr Lao Lixing, University of Hong Kong (retired)

Credits:

Sound Engineer: Chris Wood

INTRO/OUTRO Music: Alex Mauboussin

Teaching Guide for Educators here

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Transcripts in Mandarin and English at chinadialogue and chinadialogueocean.