20 Java pangolins released back into the wild

The pangolins were handed over to the CPCP by the Ninh Binh provincial Forest Management Department on June 19th after the local police discovered them being illegally transported from the central province of Thua Thien-Hue to northern localities to be sold. They were hidden in mesh bags, which were placed in suitcases, weighing up to 91 kg.

After being receiving care for one month, the health of the pangolins is recovered and they are strong enough to re-enter the wild. They were also fitted with electronic chips for future studies.

Nguyen Van Thai, Director of the Wildlife Research and Conservation Centre (WRCC), said the centre has rescued and released 95 pangolins into the wild within the last 12 months. He hoped the rescue and protection of the species will be intensified in the future.

According to Mr. Tran Quang Phuong, CPCP manager, this is a positive sign for pangolin conservation in Vietnam as well as in the world, because the survival rate of pangolin in captivity is very low. However, with the timely assistance of the authorities of Ninh Binh province, this group of rescued pangolins was released back into the wild earlier than planned.

Java pangolin is listed as an endangered species in the Vietnam’s Red Book. The wild population has steadily decreased due to illegal hunting and trading for meat and traditional medicines.

Vietnam is home to two species of pangolin, the Java and Chinese pangolins, which are listed as critically endangered species and prioritized for protection./.