NEW: Zim marks Pangolin day

Tanyaradzwa Rusike

Zimbabwe will tomorrow join the rest of the world in commemorating World Pangolin Day.

The day is celebrated on the third Saturday of February every year.

The event was first observed in 2012 and has international recognition from animal welfare organisations and individuals worldwide.

In a statement on Friday, World Africa chief executive officer Peter Knights said Pangolins play a significant cultural role and have been considered sacred for centuries.

“Since 2014, pangolins have been the world’s most trafficked mammal, yet they reproduce very slowly and their populations are unknown.

“They remain largely unknown to the public with conservation efforts critically underfunded.

“Many Zimbabweans don’t know what pangolins are, or the laws protecting them, and are unaware that pangolins not only exist in our country but are also rapidly disappearing before our eyes,” he said.

Mr Knights said pangolins play a crucial role in natural pest control.

“Pangolins remain underappreciated, under-protected and are in urgent need of global attention and support.

“World Pangolin Day is an opportunity to call for stronger protections, increased public awareness, and greater financial support for their conservation.”