Boiled pangolin for lunch? The conservation and spillover threats posed by Laos’ rampant wildlife trade

Pangolins have long been a symbol of the world’s conservation crisis, having been trafficked to the brink of extinction. The meat, blood and scales of the animals are considered a luxury product with healing properties – from boosting lactation in breastfeeding women, to treating rheumatism and psoriasis – in China and parts of Southeast Asia.

But a rampant, unregulated marketplace is growing at “an alarming rate” in Laos. According to recent investigations, the county has become a key node in international wildlife trafficking routes, as well as a destination for people wanting to consume forbidden foods.

This panel will explore the drivers of the trade, including transnational crime syndicates and a boom in low-price Chinese tourist groups. It will also look at the consequences for both wildlife and people. Beyond the risk of extinction, experts warn that this trade is “ground zero for disease emergence” – a viral pressure cooker with the potential to spark the next pandemic.

Join us at the FCCT to discuss the survival of the pangolin and the health security risks of the regional wildlife trade.

Panelists:
Hongxiang Huang, founder of Agent C Wildlife Initiative.

Dr Filip Claes, head of the Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases, UN FAO.

Gerry Flynn, Southeast Asia investigative journalist, Mongabay.

Additional panelist TBA.

Moderator: Sarah Newey, global health security correspondent, The Telegraph.

Members who wish to book in advance should email info@fccthai.com or call the FCCT office on 02-652-0580.

Non-members can use this link.