The Save Vietnam’s Wildlife (SVW) and Cuc Phuong National Park released into the wild 93 Java pangolins (Manis javanica), the largest number so far, between April 28 and May 6.

Feeding rescued pangolins at SVW centre in Cuc Phuong park.

The animals were healthy individuals rescued from an illegal trade of 113 pangolins which was busted by Hai Phong police in early April this year.  

SVW Executive Director Nguyen Van Thai said in the last eight months, his organisation has rescued more than 400 pangolins from traders and sent 304 of them back to the wild.

Thanh said there was time his centre hosted 139 rescued pangolins, which consumed nearly 40 kg of food per month. The amount of food cost about 300 million VND (13,200 USD).

Tran Quang Phuong, manager of the SVW Carnivore and Pangolin Conservation Programme, noted the centre has been supported by different agencies in conserving the rare species.

As the number of rescued pangolins is on the rise, the centre has set up a rapid response team to partner with authorised agencies in saving and caring for the animals.

Pangolins are the most traded animals in the world. Vietnam has two species of pangolins, the Manis javanica and the Manis pentadactyla; both are listed in the category of rare and threatened species subject to priority protection under Decree 160/2013/ND-CP. All hunting and trading of those species are illegal, together with the use of products from pangolin.

VNA