Aside from these four species, other endangered species are also widely traded in the Golden Triangle, such as rhinoceros, serow, helmeted hornbill, gaur, leopards and turtles, according to the statement released on Thursday.





All these highly endangered species are being traded openly within the tri-border area, the WWF-Myanmar statement said.

“Border areas like the Golden Triangle are where this trade thrives and where we must work the hardest to protect the defenseless,” said Sapai Min, illegal wildlife trade project manager for WWF-Myanmar.

These highly endangered species end up as exotic wines, on dinner tables, as dubious medicines or as luxury items and jewellery.

Of all the species traded in the area, pangolins are the most traded due to high demand from China and Vietnam, WWF said.

Pangolin scales, which are made of keratin, are dried and roasted as an ingredient in Chinese traditional medicine to treat illnesses, relieve palsy and stimulate lactation.

The helmeted hornbill and its massive helmet-like structure on the head, which is similar to ivory, is also a favourite among illegal traders.

Another species under threat by the tri-border market are leopards, which were once widely found across Southeast Asia and are now poached for their skin and skulls. They can be found in quantity in the Golden Triangle.





“The region has a deserved reputation of being both a destination and source of some of the world’s most endangered species, and that has to stop or these species could go extinct,” said Bill Possiel, WWF-Greater Mekong Regional Conservation Director.

WWF is now working with governments, partners such as TRAFFIC, local NGOs, the private sector and enforcement authorities to curb illegal wildlife markets in the Golden Triangle and beyond.

This includes raising awareness across Asia on the need to close at least 20 markets by 2020, whether they are physical markets, restaurants, shops or online markets, WWF said.