PANGOLIN

Often called “artichokes with legs,” pangolins are scaly anteaters that are arguably the world’s most-trafficked mammal. Like an armadillo, this shy, toothless, insect-eating animal curls up in a ball when threatened, which only makes it easier for poachers to collect them.

The vast majority of demand for pangolins comes from Asia, where their scales are used in medicine and their meat is considered a delicacy.

There are eight species of pangolins—four in Africa and four in Asia. All of them are critically endangered after having been hunted to near extinction.

PANGOLIN LINKS:

The Most Trafficked Mammal You’ve Never Heard of

http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2014/04/opinion/sutter-change-the-list-pangolin-trafficking/

Pangolins on the brink as Africa-China trafficking persists unabated

https://news.mongabay.com/2018/05/pangolins-on-the-brink-as-africa-china-trafficking-persists-unabated/