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Manidae
Pangolins or Scaly Anteaters are a family of critically endangered mammals found in Africa and Asia. They are believed to be the most trafficked animal on the planet, as they are poached for their scales and meat. Their behavior varies in different species. Most are nocturnal and Some make excellent swimmers, while others are semi-arboreal. Like armadillos, they roll into tight balls, leaving only their tough, keratin scales exposed. As a defence they can emit an unpleasant musk. They range from 14 In (30 Cm) to 5 Ft (1.5 M) long.
Like Anteaters and Aardvarks, they feed on ants and termites, breaking into their mounds with their tough claws. They then use their tongue to slurp them into its mouth. This tongue can be longer than the animal’s body and is attached near the pelvis.
Illegal trade has caused the animal’s population to decrease greatly. They are poached for their scales which can be ground into medicines for skin diseases and nerve disorders. Pangolins are also hunted for their meat which is considered an ‘exotic delicacy’ The Pangolins and their scales are smuggled over sea and bought by dealers. The animal is boiled to remove the scales. These scales can be sold for over $1,500 a pound. In April 2019, the Singapore government busted two trade vessels, each carrying 14 tons (11.3 Tonnes) of scales from Nigeria. The scales were confiscated. In 2013, another boat wrecked into a reef near the Philippines. After rescue, the boat was discovered with 3 Tons (2.5 Tonnes) of frozen Pangolin. In another case in 2016, a man was arrested after almost 700 frozen Pangolins were found on his property. When found, scales are burned so that they will be of no use by smugglers and dealers. As smuggling becomes more intense, so do the investigations. These smuggling busts have led to reconnaissance and even looking into suspicious transactions. An NGO conservation society called TRAFFIC has located over 160 smuggling routes which they hope to shut down soon.
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