Excellent Wildlife and Nature Pictures

[Spalea]

Beverly Joubert: " Spending time with a pangolin in the wild is a very rare privilege. These scaly anteaters are notoriously elusive – the handful of sightings we've enjoyed have all come down to luck. The curious creatures spend their time shuffling through the undergrowth, usually under the cover of darkness, in search of a meal. Sharp claws help break open ant or termite nests while a long, sticky tongue does the rest. ⁣

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Sadly, these remarkable animals are under threat. Widely considered the most trafficked mammal in the world, they are targeted by poachers for their scales and meat. The pangolin's defence when threatened is to roll into a tight ball – a technique that works well against predators like lions, but, if anything, makes trapping them even easier for poachers. Much like rhino horn, their scales are made of keratin and are sought after for use in traditional medicines. Their meat is sometimes eaten as a delicacy. ⁣
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All eight of the world's pangolin species are threatened by illegal trade and without stronger regulations and enforcement, they may be pushed to the brink. However, the imperilled animals may just receive a lifeline from an unusual source. Recent research indicates that pangolins could be the intermediate hosts of the latest strain of coronavirus – a development that could see a reduction in trade. Of course, illegal bushmeat markets need to be abolished altogether, but let's hope that demand for these scaly creatures starts to decline. "

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