The Pangolin

16" x 20" Acrylic Painting on Canvas

I saw photographs of pangolins in National Geographic magazines and science books when I was in elementary school. I have yet to see one in person and I am afraid I may never do! Closely related to the anteaters and armadillos, the pangolin is REAL and is covered in scales made up of the same kind of material that are in our own fingernails and hair — keratin. Sadly, they are the most trafficked animal in the world. Valued for their scales for use in medicinal products, fashion, trophies, and other items, the animals are gathered in the thousands and sold throughout the world. Laws in certain countries are attempting to curb the market by prohibiting the sale of pangolin and pangolin products. Other countries like Vietnam have rescue and rehabilitation programs set up to recapture them and fine traders and poachers. Despite these efforts, the pangolin may be still become extinct in the near future.

I came across a photo of a pangolin posted by a caretaker in Africa. She wrote that the little guy did not deserve what happened to him. I want to help spread the word with my artwork — to raise awareness of the plight of these animals in the hopes that we can help save them and restore them to their healthy population numbers again.