WORLD’S MOST TRAFFICKED ANIMAL
NIGERIANS FIGHT TO PROTECT THE WORLD’S MOST TRAFFICKED ANIMAL
Pangolins are believed to be the most trafficked mammals in the world. As the four Asian species of pangolins have dwindled, poachers are increasingly turning to the African species to supply the trade in pangolin scales, which, despite being made of nothing more than keratin (just like rhino horn ... and human fingernails), are believed to have medicinal properties.
In this short film, we meet the bold Nigerians who are fighting to protect this gentle and vulnerable creature: Dr. Mark Ofua, a veterinarian at St. Mark’s Animal Hospital in Lagos, and Dr. Olajumoke Morenikeji, chair of the Pangolin Conservation Guild in Nigeria.
The documentary offers a balanced perspective of the flourishing illegal trade in these endangered animals, as well as the poachers and traders who eke out a living by hunting them.
Produced by award-winning filmmaker and conservation photographer Katie Schuler and National Geographic documentary producer Mike Olcott.
ACCOLADES
:: 2019 winner at the Jackson Wild Media Awards (arguably the Oscars of nature documentaries) for Best Conservation Film – Short Form
:: 2019 nominee at the Jackson Wild Media Awards for Best People & Nature Film – Short Form
