World Pangolin Day

World Pangolin Day is annually on the third Saturday in February. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the pangolin, a unique and endangered mammal found in Southeast Asia and Africa. Pangolins are heavily trafficked for their scales and meat, leading to significant population declines.

History

World Pangolin Day was established by animal advocates to highlight the plight of these remarkable creatures. Pangolins, also known as scaly anteaters, are covered in protective keratin scales and are known for their unique ability to curl up into a ball when threatened. The day was first in 2012 to bring global attention to the illegal trade of pangolins and their critical status in the wild.

Interesting facts

Pangolins are fascinating animals with several interesting characteristics:

• There are eight species of pangolins, found in Africa and Asia.
• Despite their tough appearance, pangolins are gentle creatures that primarily eat ants and termites.
• Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals in the world due to the high demand for their scales in traditional medicine and their meat as a delicacy.
• World Pangolin Day has been since 2012 to raise awareness and promote conservation efforts.

How to celebrate

To celebrate World Pangolin Day, you can visit a local zoo to learn more about these unique animals, participate in conservation efforts, or donate to organizations working to protect pangolins. Sharing information about pangolins on social media and educating others about the threats they face can also make a significant impact.

When is World Pangolin Day in 2025?

World Pangolin Day is observed on the third Saturday in February each year.

Observations