The Pangolin
Pangolins are the
MOST
trafficked animal in the world
There are
Eight
species of pangolin
A pangolins scales make up
20%
of its body weight
Pangolins are mammals that have existed on the continents of Africa and Asia for approximately 80 million year. Pangolins are most closely related to ant eaters and armadillos. Just like their cousins, Pangolins have a diet consisting of insects which makes them insectivores. The most recent discovery actually shows pangolins being closely related to the carnivora order which includes but is not limited to : Bears, mustelids, lynxes, and even hyenas.
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Pangolin characteristics vary quite heavily depending on species. The smallest species of pangolin (the white bellied pangolin) weights 3-4lbs on average while the largest species (The giant ground pangolin) can weight up to 80lbs. Some species of pangolin are terrestrial while others are arboreal or semi-arboreal. Some pangolins are even bipedal.