Pangolin of Sumatra

In the last two weeks, the case of pangolin smuggling plan was revealed in Riau. So, what causes the animals continue to be hunted?

"This is certainly not independent of the demand from abroadas long as the demand for wildlife is still going on, said a spokesman for WWF Riau, Syamsidar, told AFP on Thursday (2/11/2017).

According Syamsidar, Sumatra region in general is where the spread of pangolins. including in some forest areas in Riau.
The existence of the mafia of international animal trade network, said Syamsidar, open the chain of trade in Indonesia. In Riau, for example, poaching is not only happening for pangolin types. elephant ivory and tiger are also not escape from the target of poachers.

"There is a lot of pangolin in Riau, so long as there is a request from abroad, it is also a job for the lower class people," said Syamsidar.

then, for what exactly is the pangolin?
First, the meat is probably to be eaten. But the most santer issue is the pangolin made into a traditional medicine in China, "said Syamsidar.

if so far it is said to be smuggled to Malaysia, according to Syamsidar, it is only transit. Later the mafia network of animals that are housed in Malaysia will sell back to the wildlife mafia network in China.

"This is one of the reasons why illegal poaching continues because of the high demand from the international black market," Syamsidar said.
In addition to pangolins will be used as a traditional medicine, said Syamsidar, the issue of animal scales is said to be used as herbs for substance drugs.

"The issue is that the pangolins can be mixed with drugs, but of course the issue should also be investigated first," said Syamsidar.

As is known, the last two weeks the police force thwart smuggling pangolins to Malaysia. first, the Navy of Dumai arrested a ship carrying 102 pangolins in the waters of Bengkalis Riau. In this case, two people were made a suspect.

Shortly thereafter, Riau Police secured 70 pangolins from two suspects. these two cases of capture still have the same mafia network. They are already waiting on international shipping lanes in the Malacca Strait. the price they offer in the middle of the sea can penetrate Rp 600 thousand to Rp 1 million per kg, while they buy from residents Rp 30 thousand per kg.