Mwanza, Malawi – Police in Mwanza have arrested two individuals for allegedly possessing a live pangolin, an endangered species. The suspects have been identified as Martin Kachepa, 25, and Reuben Chimpesa, 30.
According to Mwanza Police publicist Hope Kasakula, the arrests followed a tip-off from concerned members of the public. Kachepa was reportedly found keeping the pangolin at his residence.
“After an interrogation, Kachepa revealed information about his accomplice, who was subsequently apprehended by the police,” Kasakula told Nyasatoday today.
Martin Kachepa hails from Senior Chief Kanduku in Mwanza, while Reuben Chimpesa is from Felemu village, Traditional Authority Mlauli, in Neno District.
The two men are expected to appear in court soon to face charges related to the possession of an endangered species.
But Malawians May Ask : Why Pangolins are Valued at Millions: A Look at Traditional Beliefs and Market Demand
The arrest of individuals possessing a live pangolin underscores a concerning trend: the high value placed on these unique creatures, driving an illicit trade that threatens their very existence. Pangolins are estimated to be the most trafficked mammals globally, and their worth on the black market can indeed reach millions. This immense value stems from a confluence of traditional beliefs and modern market demands.
Traditional Beliefs:
In many cultures, particularly in Asia and parts of Africa, pangolins are deeply embedded in traditional medicine and folklore.
Their scales, made of keratin (the same material as human fingernails), are believed to possess various medicinal properties. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), for instance, pangolin scales are thought to treat a wide range of ailments, from rheumatism and skin diseases to improving blood circulation and promoting lactation in women. While there is no scientific evidence to support these claims, the long-held belief fuels a significant demand.
Beyond medicinal uses, some traditional beliefs associate pangolins with good luck, fertility, or protection from evil spirits. In certain communities, their meat is considered a delicacy or a status symbol, further driving demand in illicit markets.
Normal Market Perspective (Illicit Trade):
From a purely market perspective, the value of pangolins is dictated by scarcity and high demand in the illegal wildlife trade. The animals are sought after for:
Meat: Pangolin meat is considered a high-end delicacy in some Asian countries, particularly China and Vietnam. It is often served in upscale restaurants as a symbol of wealth and prestige.
Scales: As mentioned, the scales are the primary driver of demand for traditional medicine. The sheer volume of scales needed for various remedies, coupled with the difficulty in obtaining them, inflates their price significantly.
Live Animals: Live pangolins are also traded, sometimes for captive breeding attempts (often unsuccessful) or to be slaughtered on demand for their meat and scales. The rarity of finding a live specimen further increases its black market value.
The illegal trade network is sophisticated and highly organized, involving poachers, traffickers, and consumers across continents. The endangered status of pangolins, primarily due to this relentless poaching, only serves to drive up their black market price, creating a vicious cycle that pushes these remarkable creatures closer to extinction. Conservation efforts are crucial to combat this illicit trade and protect pangolins for future generations.
SO ZOPEWEKA TIPEWE PANGOLIN NDI WA BOMA TIWASIYILE NDIPO AMENE TINGATHE TITENGELE CHITSANZO CHABWINO CHA ZOMWE OPHUNZIRA AKU MUBAS AYAMBA KUFUNA KUSALIMBANA NDI KATUNDU WA BOMA NGATI PANGOLIN READ IT HERE
