Endangered Pangolin Kidnapped and Held for Ransom in Congo

A new potential trend in wildlife crimes has conservationists worried for the future of endangered species. The concern came following an endangered pangolin being kidnapped and held for ransom.

According to MSN, the pangolin was taken from the wild and held hostage by a group of rebels, presumably the Nduma Defence of Congo, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The group then alerted local conversation groups of what’d they done, demanding ransom money to release the animal.

The incident has sparked fear that others will follow their example and try to use endangered species to get what they want through ransom and bargaining. Currently, conservationists are attempting to free the animal without offering payment.

The founder of Conserv Congo, Adams Cassinga, said on Twitter that wildlife being held hostage has “happened before, but not common.” He added, “In 2012, many okapis were murdered to attract international attention to the Morgan rebels in Epulu. Gorillas have been killed as well to send a political message. It is the first time we hear of such. It shows that the crime is evolving!”

“If we pay them, then we are doomed, the whole park and all the apes would be taken hostage,” Cassinga said, according to MSN.

The pangolin is being held in Virunga National Park, an area where human kidnappings are increasing as gangs attempt to hold aid workers and others for ransom. This may be the first time the area has seen an endangered animal being held for ransom, though.

According to the World Wildlife Fund, pangolins are among “the most trafficked mammal in the world,” with an estimate that 1,000,000 pangolins were trafficked over a 10-year period. In 2019, data showed a pangolin is poached every three minutes.

Despite being protected under national and international laws, the animals are illegally trafficked and used in folk remedies and medicine, as food, and to create boots and handbags. All eight species are on the IUCN’s red list, ranging from “Vulnerable” to “Critically Endangered.”

Sign this petition to help save the pangolins from extinction.

Related Content:

• America’s Role in the Illegal Wildlife Trafficking Trade and How to Stop It
• The Great Cover-Up: Substitute Species in Illegal Wildlife Trade
• Interviews with Convicted Poachers Reveals Why Policing is Ineffective
• New Report Show Millions of Species Illegally Trafficked from Brazilian Amazon
• Endangered Pangolin Successfully Rescued and Relocated in India

For more Animal, Earth, Life, Vegan Food, Health, and Recipe content published daily, subscribe to the One Green Planet Newsletter! Lastly, being publicly-funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!