Happy #WorldPangolinDay! This black bellied pangolin was the first wild one I ever saw. I was able to photograph it at @sangha_lodge in the Central African Republic. Rod and his wife Tam took on the challenge to rescue, raise and release black bellied and white bellied pangolins. They have many success stories to share! 20% of the pangolins body weight is made up by their scales. Unfortunately this is also why they are targeted. Poachers go for them due to the meat (considered a delicacy) and their scales (for traditional medicine). The scales are made out of keratin, like rhino horn. It’s the worlds most trafficked animal. In two months over 40 tonnes of pangolin parts have been seized. This madness has to end!
Location – Sangha Lodge
