The Pangolin

The pangolin (also known as the scaly anteater because of its main food source) is a species that inhabits the forests and grasslands of Asia and Africa. It can weigh between 4.4 and 7 pounds. It is easily recognized by its full armor of scales, which it exposes to potential predators by covering its head with its front legs when it is startled. When it is touched by these potential predators, it rolls completely into a ball and lashes out at them with the scales on its tail. It has eight subspecies, four of which reside in Asia and four of which reside in Africa. The four that reside in Asia are the Indian pangolin, the Philippine pangolin, the Sunda pangolin, and the Chinese pangolin. The four that reside in Africa are the Black-bellied pangolin, the White-bellied pangolin, the Giant Ground pangolin, and the Temminck's Ground pangolin. All of these are protected under both national and international laws.

The pangolin is classified as a Critically Endangered species. It is this close to becoming extinct because much of its population is hunted for its meat and scales, as they are in high demand in countries such as China and Vietnam. This is because, in these countries, its meat is considered a delicacy, and its scales are needed for folk remedies and traditional medicines that treat various different ailments. Because of this, the World Wildlife Fund's (WWF's) effort to save it consists of reducing the demand for its meat and scales in these countries and lobbying for stronger national laws to protect it, as well as stronger enforcement of these laws.

Source for picture and all information: https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/pangolin