The world's most trafficked mammal is the pangolin. US officials say it's an endangered species
U.S. officials proposed Monday to protect the pangolin, a small, nocturnal mammal covered in scales, under the Endangered Species Act.
The pangolin is 'the most trafficked mammal in the world' in large part for its scales, used in traditional Chinese medicine, and meat, according to the World Wildlife Fund.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is looking to add protections for four species of the pangolin native to Asia — including the Chinese, Indian, Sunda and Philippine pangolin — and three species native to Africa, including the white-bellied, black-bellied and giant pangolin. Seven species are in danger of extinction, according to the Center for Biological Diversity.
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