Eight Million

Why are pangolins so sought after in China?Pangolins are the most trafficked mammal in the world, in large part due to demand from Chinese consumers. Scientists are pointing to these peculiar creatures as a possible source of the coronavirus outbreak in China, where a temporary ban on all wildlife trade is now in force. Could this mean fresh hope for pangolins? Why are they so sought-after? And why, despite laws preventing their trade, have they been hunted to the point of extinction?Guests:Jiaming Xu, The Pangolin Reports Tin Htet Paing, Myanmar NowWander Meijer, GlobescanDr Lao Lixing, University of Hong Kong (retired)Credits:Sound Engineer: Chris WoodINTRO/OUTRO Music: Alex MauboussinTeaching Guide for Educators hereSubscribe for the latest episodes and review us on listennotes!Transcripts in Mandarin and English at chinadialogue and chinadialogueocean.