International trade in pangolins (\kur{Manis} spp.)

The aim of this work was to evaluate international trade with Manis. spp. according to the CITES database during the period 2002-2013. Manis spp. was classified in appendix II CITES in 1995. In 2000 there was an unsuccesfull attempt to reclassified Manis spp. to appendix I CITES. In this year the zero quota was set for Asian pangolins for commercial purpose. A rapid increase of an illegal trade was noticed after the setting of zero quota. The most frequent trade with pangolins was in these forms: 1) derivatives, 2) specimens, 3) scales, 4) live pangolins and 5) skins. Asian pangolins´ species were traded mostly in forms of derivatives, specimens, scales and skins in the period 2002-2013. M. javanica and M. pentadactyla with medium and large distribution area were quantitatively the most traded species, respectively. Main importers of Asian forms of pangolins were: USA (derivatives and specimens), China (scales in kg) and Indonesia (scales in pieces) and Mexico (skins). The African pangolin M. tricuspis was the third most frequent species in the international trade and was traded especially in form of live pangolins. M. tricuspis lives in one of the largest distribution area. Main importer of live pangolins was Italy. Breeding pangolins in captivity is due to the specific feeding requirements demanding. There are about 46 individuals of pangolins in Zoos all over the world, whereas in Europe there are only 2 pangolins in the Leipzig Zoo