- World Pangolin Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday of February and this year it falls on 18 February.
- It is a day to remember and celebrate pangolins, raise awareness and fight against global pangolin poaching in Africa and Asia.
- The day aims to raise awareness about these unique mammals and accelerate conservation efforts.
In the southern regions of Vietnam, Central Africa and West Africa, pangolin meat is often served in restaurants catering to wealthy patrons, who consider it a status symbol and a delicacy. When startled, a pangolin may roll into a tight ball to protect its delicate lower back, making it an ideal target for predators.
- The pangolin is the only mammal covered with scales.
- To protect themselves, they curl up into balls like a hedgehog.
- Their name comes from the Malay word ‘penguling’ which means ‘something that rolls’.
