Hanoi, November 18, 2024 – Save Vietnam’s Wildlife (SVW), in coordination with Cuc Phuong National Park, successfully rescued 11 Sunda pangolins. All of these animals were confiscated from an illegal wildlife transportation and trading case, and the investigation group from the Phu Ly City Police Department is currently conducting an investigation about this case.
(SVW and Cuc Phuong National Park received the pangolins – ©SVW)
Previously, in the Me Noi neighborhood of Liem Chinh Ward, Phu Ly City, the investigation group of Phu Ly Police discovered a truck carrying goods, including 04 boxes tightly wrapped in tape. Authorities found 13 pangolins inside the boxes, with each individual tightly secured in a mesh bag. Especially, among the rescued individuals, one was a Chinese pangolin – a critically endangered and rare pangolin species with very few individuals found in the wild these years.
(The rapid response team of SVW was checking health conditions of each pangolin – ©SVW)
Upon receiving the information, the SVW rapid response team coordinated with Cuc Phuong National Park to move to the location for the animal rescue. Unfortunately, among the 13 individuals found, only 11 pangolins were still alive. The other two did not make it, including one Sunda pangolin and the only Chinese pangolin.
(The two pangolins that did not make it in the rescue, one of which is the sole Chinese pangolin – ©SVW)
(The veterinary team was checking health conditions for the pangolins – ©SVW)
Most of the animals received were in a state of stress, dehydrated, emaciated, and suffering from diarrhea, with two pangolins having severe injuries caused by traps. Currently, all surviving animals have been taken to the Carnivore and Pangolin Conservation Program at Cuc Phuong National Park for further health monitor.
(2 out of 11 pangolins were heavily injured by the traps – ©SVW)
(The team is trying their best to take care of the pangolins after the rescue – ©SVW)
The Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) and the Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) are two pangolin species distributed in Vietnam, both classified as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List. They are listed in Group IB of the category of endangered and rare wildlife in Vietnam’s Red Book, with the Chinese pangolin being extremely rare and barely found in the wild now. Additionally, both species are included in Appendix I of the CITES, which prohibits cross-border trade and exploiting from the wild. Illegal trade of pangolins is subject to criminal prosecution. However, illegal hunting and trade continue to be complex issues. To combat wildlife poaching and protect Vietnam’s biodiversity, there is a need for concerted efforts and collaboration among government agencies, conservation organizations, as well as a clear definition and accompanying penalties to address issues related to the illegal “use and consumption of wildlife.”
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Media contact:
(Ms.) Nhung Dong
Communication Officer – Save Vietnam’s Wildlife (SVW)
E: [email protected] – M: 0969 755 358
About Save Vietnam’s Wildlife (SVW)
Save Vietnam’s Wildlife (SVW) is a non-profit organization established in 2014 with the mission to “Reverse the decline of ecosystems, protect wildlife habitats, and champion the recovery of threatened species in Vietnam”. Since establishment, SVW has planned and implemented numerous long-term conservation programs and projects. The direct and on-the-ground conservation programs undertaken by SVW include Species Conservation, Site Protection, and Community Engagement. Up to now, SVW has successfully rescued over 4,280 wild animals, becoming the leading pangolin rescue organization in Vietnam with more than 1,709 pangolins rescued. Over 70% of the animals have been rehabilitated and successfully released back into the wild, contributing to wildlife conservation and biodiversity efforts in Vietnam.
