Wildlife Conservationists Save The Pangolins From Illegal Trade In Vietnam

NINH BINH, VIETNAM - JUNE 22: A Chinese pangolin is seen reaching out to the keeper at Save Vietnam's Wildlife rescue center on June 22, 2020 in Cuc Phuong National Park, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. The pangolin is Earth's only scaly mammal and also the most trafficked type of animal in the world for their scales and meat, which are a culinary delicacy and traditional medicine in China and Vietnam. Save Vietnam's Wildlife (SVW) is a non-profit organization with a mission of rescuing pangolins from the illegal wildlife trade and releasing them back into the wild, as well as research, anti-poaching activities and advocacy. According to Tran Van Truong, head keeper at SVWs center in Cuc Phuong National Park, the number of trafficked pangolins in Vietnam has dropped dramatically, from hundreds to under 20 cases, since the beginning of the year due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. China's recent action of removing pangolins from the official list of traditional Chinese medicinal treatments brings a new hope to the critically endangered species. (Photo by Linh Pham/Getty Images)