
‘Hope this ban is the first in a series that ultimately ban all wildlife usage in traditional Chinese medicine’
Following China’s State Forestry and Grassland Administration elevating the status of pangolins, from second-level to first-level protected wildlife, pangolin scales will no longer be used in traditional medicine.
The news was confirmed in the recently launched 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, which lists all ingredients approved in Chinese medicine.

World’s most trafficked mammal
Pangolin scales are highly sought in traditional medicine as it is believed to improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation and enhance sexual performance. The meat is also considered a delicacy in traditional cuisine.
Of the eight species of pangolin found in Asia and Africa, three species, including the Chinese pangolin, Philippine pangolin and Sunda pangolin, are listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature while the remaining five species, including the Indian pangolin, are marked either vulnerable or endangered.
Animal protection groups welcomed the news describing it a “critical step” towards saving the world’s most trafficked mammal.
The move also comes in the wake of new research that suggests pangolins were a host of the deadly coronavirus before the virus passed onto humans at a Chinese seafood market.
Nicole Benjamin-Fink of Conservation Beyond Borders said: “Whether pangolins served as the conduit for Covid-19 or not, it’s time to halt the demand for the most trafficked mammals worldwide. Lets hope that this ban is the first in a series that ultimately ban all wildlife usage in traditional Chinese medicine.”

‘Strictly forbid’
While China issued a ban on the wildlife trade in February and even launched initiatives to help wildlife farmers of Hunan and Jiangxi provinces quit breeding exotic animals and switch to growing fruit, vegetables, tea plants, or herbs for traditional Chinese medicine, animal activists have voiced concerns about the uncertainty around what wildlife will still be allowed for use in TCM and the fur and leather industries.
In April, China’s National Health Commission approved Tan re Qing- a traditional Chinese treatment- made from bear bile, goat horn powder and herbs as treatment for COVID-19 although the practice has been branded cruel by animal advocacy groups.
Still, conservationists hope the new legislation will outlaw cruel and archaic practices involving animals in the traditional system of medicine.
“It will be important for TCM experts, wildlife conservation experts, and relevant authorities to take a look at TCM-related laws and regulations to make sure they are consistent,” Aili Kang, executive director of the Asia Program of the Wildlife Conservation Society told Reuters.
“To strictly forbid the use of endangered species, no matter wild or captive breeding population… is good for both TCM and conservation,” she added.
Share this story to let others know about China’s efforts in phasing out wildlife trade.
Lifestyle
Vegan culture, food, beauty & more
8 practical ways you get your loved ones to quit eating meat
- Mohsina Dodhiya
- 31st March 2023
Eating meat has long been a contentious issue, with people often having strong opinions on both sides of the discussion. For those who are committed to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, it can be difficult to watch their loved ones continue to consume meat. However, there are ways to have a constructive and persuasive conversation …
Continue reading “8 practical ways you get your loved ones to quit eating meat”
The Lord of the Rings franchise under fire after horse dies on set for the second time
- Mohsina Dodhiya
- 27th March 2023
PETA renews calls for Hollywood to replace animals with CGI Amazon’s television series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has come under fire after a horse died during rehearsals for a season 2 scene in the UK. The horse was one of about 30 on set that day and died of cardiac …
VEGAN MEMES
NEED A LAUGH?
QUIZZES
All the quizzes you love to binge!
QUIZ: If you score 11/12 on this quiz, you’re a verified vegan food expert
- Marlon Farrugia
- 10th January 2020
How much vegan knowledge do you have stored away? Do you have to Google your way through a shopping trip, or do you have all the bad E-numbers memorised? Find out now with this quiz. Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a dedicated vegan for many years, and …
Continue reading “QUIZ: If you score 11/12 on this quiz, you’re a verified vegan food expert”
QUIZ: What is your perfect Vegan Halloween Costume?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 13th October 2019
Spook Season approaches. There will be ghosts, goblins, ghouls, and glucose. You need a costume, and you want to it to show off your personality, which means VEGAN. But what to choose? Take our quiz to find out your perfect outfit. Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a …
Continue reading “QUIZ: What is your perfect Vegan Halloween Costume?”
QUIZ: What kind of vegetable are you?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 26th September 2019
“If you were a vegetable, what kind would you be?” A question that has tormented humanity throughout the ages – until now. Read: QUIZ: If you score 19/20 on THIS quiz, you’re a Vegan God Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a dedicated vegan for many years, and …