Product Details
Pangolin Gold Plated Earrings
The Pangolin Gold Plated Earrings make a statement that will complement any outfit. They are beautifully minimalist, yet certainly eye-catching. Feel at one with the wonders of the natural world when you wear these stunning earrings. Pangolins are endangered and therefore rare. This profound fact inspires a particular reverence when you wear these earrings.
Conservation Status
Pangolins are the most-trafficked mammals in the world. This is partly due to the false belief in some cultures that a pangolin’s scales has health benefits. Significantly, there is no scientific basis behind such claims. Markedly the scales are made from keratin. This is same substance that makes up human hair and fingernails.
Another reason for the trade in pangolins is because their meat is considered a delicacy in some places. Some Asian cultures also falsely believe that they will be blessed with health benefits by eating it. These factors have had a detrimental impact on pangolin populations.
Consequently, pangolins are considered an endangered species. 4 out of the world’s 8 pangolin species are vulnerable. 2 are endangered and 2 are critically-endangered. This is the result of two main factors. First is the impact of human encroachment and development on their natural habitats. Second is the illegal trade in pangolins for their scales and / or meat.
There is no denying that pangolins get hunted by predators like lions and leopards in the wild. However, they have the ability to defend themselves against such attacks. They can curl up tightly and use their scaly armour as a shield. In contrast, pangolins have little defence mechanism against humans. People can easily pick up a curled-up pangolin and carry it away. Therefore, the most dangerous threat to this amazing animal is mankind.
Conservation wisdom
Fortunately there are conservation organisations, lobbyists and governments that are taking a stance against human predation. Encouragingly, countries like Taiwan have made great progress at not only curbing, but also increasing pangolin numbers. This is a combined result of legislation, awareness and cooperation between the locals and the authorities. Correspondingly, poaching has dropped and local habitat preservation has increased.
May the Pangolin Earrings inspire awe and reverence for these wonderful animals. Pair it with the Pangolin Gold Plated Necklace, and feel optimistic. By acting together, we can all do our part to protect these vulnerable creatures.
“A true conservationist is a man who knows that the world is not given by his fathers, but borrowed from his children.” John James Audubon
Learn more about the pangolin and its symbolism here.
