Tracking Pangolin Poaching: A New Tool in the Fight Against Wildlife Trafficking

From Esri Blog: A network of scientists have mapped illegal pangolin trade in an effort to pinpoint where the animals are being killed so they can stop it.

Pangolins, often dubbed as the world’s most trafficked mammal, have long been elusive creatures facing the threat of extinction due to rampant poaching. However, a groundbreaking study published in Science unveils a revolutionary approach to combat this crisis. Led by researchers from UCLA and various international partners, the study employs genomic analysis to pinpoint poaching hotspots with unprecedented accuracy, offering a glimmer of hope in the fight to save these unique creatures. By tracing the origins of confiscated pangolin scales, the research sheds light on the complex supply chain fueling the illegal trade, spanning from Central Africa to East Asia. With this newfound knowledge, conservationists and law enforcement agencies can strategically allocate resources to protect pangolins and their habitats, marking a crucial step towards safeguarding biodiversity and preventing future pandemics. Dive deeper into this remarkable feat of science and conservation In this post from ESRI