Pangolins are exceptionally expensive primarily due to their high demand as a delicacy and for their unique scales, which are highly valued in some cultures, combined with their increasingly rare and endangered status.
Driven by Demand
The high cost of pangolins stems from several key factors:
- Culinary Delicacy: Pangolins are highly prized as meat in many parts of their range, particularly in countries like China and Vietnam. Their meat is considered a luxury item, driving significant demand in illicit markets.
- Traditional Medicine Beliefs: Beyond their meat, pangolin scales are increasingly sought after. These unique scales, which are a potent defense against predators in their natural habitat, are unfortunately useless against poachers. They are valued for perceived medicinal properties in traditional medicine, although there is no scientific basis for these claims. This belief fuels a substantial black market for the scales.
Rarity and Illegality
The intense, illegal demand for pangolins has dire consequences for their populations:
- Endangered Status: All pangolin species across Asia and Africa are now under severe threat due to extensive poaching. Their status as one of the most trafficked mammals globally means they are becoming increasingly rare.
- Black Market Premium: The scarcity created by rampant poaching, coupled with their protected status, means that pangolins command extremely high prices on the black market. The illegality and risk associated with their trade further inflate their value.
For more information on pangolins and conservation efforts, you can visit organizations like the WWF.
