China Hong Kong Pangolin Scale Seizure
Seized pangolin scales are seen at a Hong Kong Customs & Excise Department press conference at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound, Kwai Chung, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China, 16 June 2014. On June 11, 2014 Hong Kong Customs detected a 20 ft container containing 2,340kg of pangolin scales hidden amongst timber worth around HK$12million (Euro1.15 million) on the black market. According to Hong Kong Customs, this is the largest seizure in five years, and is the second such shipment in less than a month. Both cases are related and a Malaysian man has been arrested and released on bail. Pangolins are also known as scaly anteaters. Their scales are made from keratin, the same substance that human finger nails and horse hooves are made from. Pangolin scales are popular in Chinese medicine as it is believed by some to cure cancer, although there has been been any solid science to prove this claim. Demand is high for pangolin scales as they are seen as a cheaper substitute for rhino horn, which is also made from keratin.
Photo: Alex Hofford