Chinese pangolins, one of Asia s most aesthetically pleasing animals, are on the cusp of

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1 ABSTRACT: Chinese pangolins, one of Asia s most aesthetically pleasing animals, are on the cusp of a major biological turning point. Currently, they exist as a critically endangered species with a rapidly declining population 1. This means that without outside intervention, the population of the species will likely fall to levels of extinction or near extinction. These creatures are an essential part of the ecosystem in their habitats, and so the species must be preserved to maintain the careful balance that is currently held. A design has been developed by our team to most efficiently preserve the remaining population of Chinese pangolins, and all that we require now is the financial means to implement it. A small grant of $50,000 from local Asian governments, generous entrepreneurs, or pro-pangolin organizations would enable this project to begin production and distribution. INTRODUCTION: The adorable Chinese pangolins are native to Southeast Asia, with the largest population residing in China. Several smaller populations exist in neighboring countries 2. These areas have regulations in place to protect the Chinese Pangolin 3. These regulations include restrictions on the hunting and poaching of these animals. Chinese Pangolins are listed as protected in all Southeast Asian countries except Bhutan, and some protected regions exist within these countries, yet the troubles faced by the pangolin have only grown in recent years. The poaching of pangolins across Africa and Asia has become a very lucrative business for smugglers; consequently, pangolins are often referred to as the words most-trafficked animal. 4 To understand why pangolins are poached, it is important to understand more about their physiology and daily habits. The Chinese pangolins spend most of their days sleeping. They are skittish, nocturnal animals, and they are rarely seen by anyone who is not actively Sandrine Pantel and Chin Sing Yun (ed.), (2009). 4 Hersher, R, (2016)

2 searching for them with dogs or other methods. The pangolins do not terrorize the nearby villages, or even other animals, during the night. Nighttime consists almost solely of gathering food, drinking water, and hiding from predators. Leopards are the only natural predator of the Chinese pangolin, and help keep the ecosystem balanced. Humanity, on the other hand, unbalances the ecosystem by removing pangolins from the area through the use of dogassisted hunting. The Chinese pangolins are less apt to climb trees than other species of pangolin, such as the Sunda pangolin, and are therefore more vulnerable to common hunting techniques 5. The anatomy of a pangolin is quite simple. Their body shape is very similar to that of an anteater, leading to common nicknames such as scaly anteater and artichoke with legs. 6 Most Chinese pangolins have a body length of about 2-3 feet, and weigh between 5 and 15 pounds 7. Very little is known concerning the medicinal properties of the pangolin, although the scales, meat, and other body parts are commonly used in native medicines, sometimes even prescribed by hospitals in China. Given the size of the market for Chinese pangolins, it is clear that a solution must be found soon before the demand surpasses the remaining population. More knowledge about the elusive creature should be shared with the public, and there should be a clearer government response against homeopathic medicines using parts collected from endangered animals. This approach is the surest way to stop the poaching industry of pangolins, in addition to countless other species in the area as well. However, a more immediate solution is required if there is to be any future for the Chinese pangolins. GOAL: 5 6 Hersher, R, (2016) 7 Chinese Pangolin. (2014).

3 To best preserve the Chinese pangolin, a specific set of criteria was developed by our qualified team at People Against Nature Oriented Get-wells Opposing Ludicrous Ineffective Nostrum, or PANGOLIN, a non-profit, pro-pangolin organization. This crack team of conservation biologists, epidemiologists, financial advisors, chemical engineers, and government representatives from the Southeast Asian nations which have Chinese pangolin populations has worked tirelessly to develop an effective solution to this crisis. The PANGOLIN design team established essential criteria for this project and relative weights for each category based on importance. An engineering decision matrix was applied to score multiple project ideas in each area. The five criteria chosen by our group are as follows: Has a Lasting Positive Effect on Pangolin Populations, Easily Implemented in Areas of Pangolin Population, Does not Negatively Impact Pangolins, Fast-acting, and Cheap. DESIGN: Three possible solutions were tested through the engineering matrix described above. Two of the solutions received the lowest possible score in one or multiple categories, and those ideas were rejected. The final design idea, which scored favorably in all five areas, was to paint the scales of the Chinese pangolin in an effort to ruin the scales for medicinal purposes. This idea draws from the concept of infusing dyes into rhino horns to dissuade poachers from hunting them, as well as Finland's idea of painting reindeer antlers to prevent accidents. Our chemical engineer and conservation biologist have determined that a dark-colored, non-toxic, waterproof mix of paint will best protect the pangolins from both their predators, and toxic chemicals which could cause even more deaths. To be implemented in the entire Chinese pangolin population in Southeast Asia, assumed to be around 100,000 pangolins 8, this design would cost less than 8

4 $50,000, assuming a surface area of 3 square feet per pangolin 9, and a cost of $0.15 per square foot for the paint 10. MANUFACTURING: All of the manufacturing would be done in China to not only decrease the cost of production but provide more income to the area. This paint design could eventually lead to a business venture after production for pangolins has slowed or stopped. The non-toxic, weatherproof nature of the paint would make it very useful in many scenarios, including house painting or even camouflage for military vehicles. DISTRIBUTION: Because the paint will be made in China, distribution will be very efficient. To minimize risk and prevent an ecological disaster, some initial tests will be run by applying the paint to pangolins and observing any changes in physiology and behavior before starting any wide-spread application to pangolins. This assurance of safety is one of our main concerns in the project. Although the increased time required for a study is a potential roadblock this endeavor, the minimization of risk that it will provide is essential. Working in conjunction with local governments should expedite the process following the safety study. With the help of the Chinese government, and other Southeast Asian governments, volunteers could be sent to pangolin habitats to paint the keratinous scales. The process of scale-painting could take some time, and the human intervention could cause some disruption in the natural ecosystem, but the potential for helping the pangolins far outweighs these risks. TIMELINE: 9 Chinese Pangolin. (2014). 10 Homewyse Calculator: Cost to Paint Wall. (2016)

5 The production of paint can begin within a few weeks at any number of paint factories in China. Product tests will take some time several months. After these tests, distribution will proceed very quickly. With the help of local governments and volunteers, it will take less than a year to reach a majority of the pangolin population. Therefore, this solution to the pangolin crisis will have major effects in the near future. ACHIEVEMENT OF DESIGN/BENEFITS: This project has the potential to accomplish something unprecedented in Chinese pangolin history: reduce the desire for poached pangolins. The rising demand for pangolins worldwide is the cause of the recent population decline. Because the scales will be ruined for most common uses, the widespread poaching will decline as poaching the pangolins will not be as profitable. This effect will make a more powerful difference in preserving the Chinese pangolin than anything produced by the recent methods of education and restrictions. Hopefully, this project will benefit more than just the pangolins. A reliance on unproven natural remedies can be very detrimental to local human populations. Removing the resources for natural cures will lead to an increased use of scientifically tested medication. FUNDING: With financial assistance from charitable organizations and local governments, this project can start to make an unprecedented difference in pangolin poaching. Initial projections show a total cost of only $50,000, but the success of this idea could lead to implementation for other pangolin species in the area. Consequently, additional funds may be required in the future, but right now the Chinese pangolin is our team s major concerns. It would mean the world to us, and the pangolins, if your organization was charitable enough to provide us with funds to make a difference in the world.

6 References Challender, D., Baillie, J., Ades, G., Kaspal, P., Chan, B., Khatiwada, A., Xu, L., Chin, S., KC, R., Nash, H. & Hsieh, H Manis pentadactyla. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2014: e.t12764a Retrieved September 22, 2016 from Chinese Pangolin. (2014). Retrieved September 22, 2016, from Conservation. (2014). Retrieved September 22, 2016, from Eveleth, R. (2014, February 18). To Avoid Deer Strikes, Finland Is Painting Deer Antlers With Reflective Paint. Retrieved September 22, 2016, from Hersher, R. (2016, September 28). Pangolin, The 'Artichoke With Legs,' Earns Top Trade Protection. Retrieved October 07, 2016, from Homewyse Calculator: Cost to Paint Wall. (2016). Retrieved September 22, 2016, from Sandrine Pantel and Chin Sing Yun (ed.) Proceedings of the Workshop on Trade and Conservation of Pangolins Native to South and Southeast Asia, 30 June-2 July 2008, Singapore Zoo, Singapore. TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia