On Wednesday 23rd July, Customs Officers at Hai Phong port in Quang Ninh province in Northern Vietnam seized 1.4 tonnes of pangolin scales, which had been trafficked from Sierra Leone. This likely represents thousands of pangolins, and most likely involves the White-bellied pangolin, Phataginus tricuspis, but potentially other African species as well. Increasing trade in African pangolin parts, mainly scales, to Asia is an increasing problem and a growing threat to pangolins, following historical declines in populations of Asian pangolins. For more information click here.
