A Sunda pangolin was set free into the wild on Monday. — Photo Save Việt Nam’s Wildlife |
NINH BÌNH — Cúc Phương National Park and Save Việt Nam’s Wildlife on Monday released 46 Sunda pangolins (Manis javanica) to a safe location in the wild.
The location was not disclosed due to the risk of the animals being located and recaptured by poachers.
The pangolins were handed over to the national park and the wildlife centre in early October by Thái Bình Province’s Police Department after they seized the pangolins from wildlife traffickers.
Nguyễn Văn Thái, executive director of the wildlife centre, said due to improved co-operation with enforcement authorities, the centre was receiving a record number of pangolins.
"However, rescue and release is only part of the picture, we must improve enforcement and stop consumption or this precious species will be another Vietnamese species lost to illegal wildlife trade," he said.
Pangolins are the most traded animals in the world. Việt Nam is home to two species - Manis javanica and Manis pentadactyla - and both of them are listed as critically endangered. — VNS