Despite being heavily protected, pangolins are trafficked more than any other mammal in the world. (warning — distressing imagery)

All 8 species of the heavily trafficked pangolin are at risk of extinction. The mammal is native to Asia and Africa.

Poachers chase the pangolins, smoke them out, beat them, and plunge them into boiling water — all to get access to their scales which are sold as a traditional medicine.

The animals are heavily protected and internationally banned from commercial trade, but they are still killed and trafficked — more than any other mammal on the planet.

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