While the threats to elephants and rhinos are well known, the most illegally-trafficked mammal on the planet is actually the tiny pangolin. These gentle anteaters have been hunted to near extinction throughout Asia, which is leading poachers to Africa in search of the animal there. The creature’s scales are believed to have medicinal value amongst some Asian cultures, where they are incorporated into traditional medicines, despite the lack of any scientific evidence to support these beliefs. In Nigeria, the country is mobilizing its efforts to protect the pangolin and as you’ll see in the video above they are serious about keeping the species alive and well there.
Kraig is an outdoor and adventure travel writer based in Nashville, TN. Over the course of his career, he has contributed to numerous online and print outlets, including Popular Mechanics, Gear Junkie, Outside Online, National Geographic, Digital Trends, Business Insider, TripSavvy, about.com, and of course The Adventure Blog.
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