Critical Analysis (Scaly Pangolin)

Pangolin.

Pangolins are not the usual issue focused on in news stories, and not a species you often hear of, which is a problem. The article, “A Struggle to Save the Scaly Pangolin” by Erica Goode, describes the issues of the poaching pangolins for meat, armor-like scales or beautiful skin, all three of which are both used in fancy restaurants and traditional medicine. They are now an endangered species, however, they are having some publicity issues. The article describes how because they are small and many are unappreciative of their beauty, they are not getting as much attention from the public. There is little recognition of the poaching that is now decimating this raccoon-like creature (for reference, there is a picture at the bottom of this critical analysis).

The point of the article was obvious. The author created an absolutely wonderful and moving portrayal of this issue. As one of the most often trafficked animals, the author suggests that these animals need so much more protection and attention, because most of the pangolins that are being poached in Cambodia have little attention paid to them.  She (the author) shows complete bias toward the idea that the poaching and smuggling of pangolins deserves national attention, and there should certainly be more regulation of the  trade of these animals internationally and that not only that, but there is a significant lack of research on this animal. “Scientists are slowly beginning to learn more about the pangolin’s physiology and behavior. These nocturnal animals are difficult to observe in the wild, even more so now that they are growing scarce, and their habits have ‘literally been a black box’ Ms Olsson said.” This is evidence of the author’s insistence that there is little information known about this animal.

I found this article to be very informative. I now know the importance of making sure that the shipping of supposed dog biscuits is not just (literally) covering up pangolin scales. Also some smuggling techniques, such as disguising frozen pangolin meat as frozen fish. This article was very moving and showed, that these creatures, ugly and common as they once may have seemed, are now in deep danger. This could happen to any animal with valuable meat or skin. Who knows, perhaps squirrels will be endangered soon.

Lucky has gained 13 pounds since being seized. Pangolins might resemble sloths or armadillos, but scientists believe they are more closely related to polar bears, raccoons and other mammals in the taxonomic order Carnivora.CreditJustin Mott