Conservation Status
M. crassicaudata is suspected to be in significant decline due to hunting for traditional medicine and food. Although these pangolins are protected by national legislation in many protected areas throughout their range, they are heavily exploited for their meat and their supposed magical or medicinal properties. The scales are used as an aphrodisiac, or made into rings or charms. The skins are used to manufacture leather goods, including boots and shoes. Although this pangolin is mainly consumed locally, it may soon be at risk to international trade when it becomes the more available option. The two other Asian species of pangolins, Manis javanica and Manis pentadactyla, are declining due to the market for them in Chinese traditional medicine.
Read more about this topic: Indian Pangolin
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