In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, global calls have been intensifying to end the illegal wildlife trade and prohibit sales of live wild animals in markets. Last week, the highest echelon of China’s government announced it will strictly enforce recently revamped wildlife protection laws to protect national security. 

Photo Credit: Shawn Heinrichs

Whale sharks, giant oceanic manta rays and reef manta rays have been added to Taiwan’s protected species list, increasing penalties for anyone found guilty of disturbing or capturing them. This is a giant step for marine conservation. For more than two decades, WildAid has been working with our local NGO partner Life Conservationist Association to increase protections for these three species.

In case you missed it: Deep dive into all things pangolin through a series of virtual events with Animalia and Save Pangolins, including a chat with WildAid's Program Manager Christina Vallianos and Hong Hoang, our partner in Vietnam and Executive Director of CHANGE.