00:00The pangolin is a creature unlike any other.
00:05An insect-eating animal that looks like a reptile, but is actually a mammal.
00:10Its skin is considered a delicacy in some cultures.
00:13Its scales, used in many traditional medicines.
00:16All contributing to the dwindling population.
00:18Residents in Kenya are trying to prevent that.
00:21We are estimating that we have between 30 to 80 giant ground pangolins left in Kenya.
00:26That all is in this area because this is the only place we've confirmed they are.
00:31Pangolins are often the targets of poachers and traffickers.
00:35But also find themselves victims of climate change and everyday human activity.
00:40They're protected under international law, with most of the species considered to be critically endangered.
00:45Prompting many communities in Kenya to take dramatic action to protect those remaining.
00:49Their first plan of action?
00:51Taking punitive steps against violators and making sure they learn their lesson to prevent any future harm.
00:56We've been able to sacrifice one pangolin to understand how the scales lose their weight.
01:01And so that when at the airport you are found with a suitcase or a bag of pangolin scales.
01:07We can be able to determine how many pangolins are in that bag of yours.
01:11How many pangolins did you kill, remove the scale and are trying to sell or export.
01:16Conventional conservation efforts are proving to be unsuccessful.
01:20Researchers hope, however, that new programs dedicating 10 acres to each animal could offer a renewed sense of hope for survival.
01:27But such an effort requires the collaboration of non-governmental organizations and individual landowners to make it work.
01:33Conservationists believe the most important step to ensuring the survival of pangolins is through educating people about their plight.
01:40And believe that as residents become familiar with the species, they'll be more willing to take on a bigger role to fight for their existence.
01:47For EarthX, I'm Alex Salvi.
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