People might be surprised that the Pangolin, a harmless, ant-eating beast with scales (to protect it from the biting insects) instead of hairs is the most trafficked Mammal on the planet. A major reason for this is the use of those scales in traditional Chinese medicines. It may be helpful that the Chinese government has decreed that it will no longer support the use of such medicines in medical insurance (https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/animals/2019/08/pangolin-scale-medicines-no-longer-covered-chinese-insurance). It is, however, extraordinarily difficult to get people to accept that the beneficial effects of ground up keratin is just a placebo (see also rhinoceros horn). It might all be too late for some of the 8 species of Pangolin.
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Sunday 29 September 2019
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