A WildAid survey found that 17 percent of respondents in a survey of 1,500 Chinese residents had purchased sea turtle products and 22 percent were considering making a purchase in the future. However, 60 percent agreed that poaching is common and a serious problem and 95 percent supported greater national protection for endemic sea turtle species.

Meanwhile, the pangolin is the most illegally trafficked mammal in the world. Major seizures in just 2019 alone included 30 metric tons of pangolins in Malaysia and 8.3 metric tons of scales in Hong Kong. Two seizures in Singapore recently totaled 25.6 tons.

"The alarming scale of the pangolin trade in recent decades is driving this important species to disappear across Asia and now Africa," said John Baker of WildAid at the event, "and despite the laudable efforts of agencies across the region, it's imperative for consumers to say no to these products and report any illegal sales."