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Researchers reveal illegal pangolin trafficking routes from origins in Africa to markets in Asia.
The approach offers new opportunities to monitor pangolin poaching in near real-time, allowing for targeted and more effective anti-trafficking measures.
Pangolins are in high demand in Asia because their scales are believed, without scientific support, to have medicinal properties in traditional medicines, particularly in China.
The white-bellied pangolin is the world’s most trafficked mammal.
The only mammal completely covered in overlapping scales, made of keratin, similar to your fingernails.
Nicknamed "scaly anteaters" due to their diet and resemblance to anteaters.
Size varies depending on species, ranging from 30 to 90 cm (1 to 3 ft) long and weighing 5 to 27 kg .
Colors vary from brown to grey to black, with some species having patterned scales.
Primarily insectivores, feeding on ants and termites using their long, sticky tongues, which can extend beyond their body length.
Lack teeth, but grind up food using strong stomach muscles.
Solitary and nocturnal animals, spending most of their time foraging for food.
Excellent climbers and diggers, thanks to their sharp claws.
Found in various habitats across Asia and Africa, including forests, grasslands, and savannas.
Some species are arboreal, living in trees, while others are terrestrial.
When threatened, they roll into a tight ball, similar to an armadillo, to protect their soft underside.
Pangolins are the most trafficked mammal due to demand for their meat and scales in traditional medicine.
This illegal trade has pushed many species to critically endangered status.
Conservation efforts focus on combating poaching, raising awareness, and establishing protected areas.
Pangolins give birth to one or two pups at a time, which ride around on their mother's back until weaned.
They have poor eyesight and rely on their sense of smell and touch to navigate their environment.
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