Endangered Pangolin Supported by Cosmetics Company

Lush Cosmetics, already known for its natural products and opposition to animal testing, is now funding a project in Sabaha dedicated to end illegal poaching of the endangered Sunda pangolin.

The Sabah Wildlife Department and Sabah-based research and conservation institution, Danau Girang Field Centre (DGFC), in Kinabatangan, announced the project July 24.

The pangolin - while its name may suggest the mix of penguin and panda - is actually a scaly anteater species, found throughout Southern, Central and East Africa, according to the American Wildlife Foundation.

Pangolins are on Malaysia's endangered species list, poached for their scales and meat which is largely sold in markets in China, although, according to the website Bernama, "bush meat [is] often offered for sale in rural markets."

Pangolin scales make up 20 percent of the animal's weight, and are believed by some to possess magic that can protect against evil spirits and witchcraft.

Pangolin poaching was first brought into the spotlight in 2010 when nearly 22,000 were traded in just over a year's time. Though local laws protect the pangolin, no international trade laws prevent them from being transported elsewhere. It's considered the most heavily trafficked animal in the world, and yet it's one that few people are aware of.

"In this new project we have chosen to use the lesser known but charismatic Sunda pangolin as an icon in the campaign to raise awareness about endangered animals in Sabah," Dr. Laurentius Ambu, the Sabah Wildlife Department director, told Bernama in a statement.

The program encourages local communities to report any wildlife crime in the area, as well as hopes to target tourists from China and Hong Kong who visit Sabah every year and gain their support in this effort.

"If we can stop the demand in China for pangolin scales and meat, it will do much to stop the local poachers from hunting down these animals," Laurentius said.