World Pangolin Day is celebrated every year on the third Saturday of February to raise awareness about these unique mammals, also known as scaly anteaters. This year, World Pangolin Day falls on February 18th, 2023.
Pangolins are one of the most unique species in the world. They have a protective armor made up of overlapping scales that cover their bodies like a suit of armor. The scales are made out of keratin, which is the same material that makes up human fingernails and hair. Unfortunately, pangolins are critically endangered due to poaching and habitat loss.
The day aims to celebrate pangolins and bring attention to their plight. It is an opportunity for pangolin enthusiasts to join together in raising awareness about these animals and their conservation needs. On this day, organizations such as Born Free USA encourage us to recognize the importance of protecting these creatures from extinction.
There are eight species of pangolins found around the world – four in Asia and four in Africa – but all eight species are threatened with extinction due to poaching for their meat and scales, as well as habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural expansion. In some parts of Asia, pangolin meat is considered a delicacy, while their scales are used in traditional medicine.
In addition to being poached for food or medicine, pangolins are also illegally trafficked for sale as exotic pets or zoo attractions. This illegal trade has had devastating effects on wild populations of pangolins across Asia and Africa. As a result, all eight species are now listed as either Critically Endangered or Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Fortunately, there has been an increasing focus on conserving these animals over recent years thanks to organizations such as Red Panda Network who work tirelessly towards saving them from extinction through research projects, public education campaigns and advocacy efforts with governments around the world.
On World Pangolin Day we can all take part in helping protect these amazing creatures by spreading awareness about them through social media posts or blog articles like this one! We can also donate money or time towards conservation efforts or support organizations that work towards protecting them from extinction such as Red Panda Network or Born Free USA.
By raising awareness about this special day we can help ensure that future generations will be able to appreciate these incredible animals in their natural habitats rather than just seeing them behind bars at zoos or worse yet extinct! So let’s come together this World Pangolin Day and do our part in helping save them from extinction!
