New MERS-Like Coronavirus Found in Pangolins Can Infect Human Cells

Pangolin, is confronting the perils of massive poaching and illegal trafficking in India.

• Pangolin are also known as an ecosystem engineer for playing a role in land’s health.
• World Pangolin Day is observed on February 18, 2023.
• Pangolins are believed to be the only truly scaly mammals in the world. 
• World Wildlife Fund records the animal to range from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered.
• The species is listed in Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.

The most trafficked animal

• They are one of the most trafficked mammals in Asia and, increasingly, Africa.
• Pangolins are in high demand in countries like China and Vietnam. 
• Their meat is considered a delicacy and pangolin scales are used in traditional medicine and folk remedies. 
• All eight pangolin species are protected under national and international laws. But there is still growing international illegal trade in pangolins.