US Moves to Shield World’s Most Trafficked Mammal

The United States has moved to extend full federal protection for all pangolin species under the Endangered Species Act in a major step to curb illegal trafficking and prevent extinction.

Pangolins, the world’s most trafficked mammals, are hunted for their keratin scales and meat, despite international trade bans.

The US aims to close remaining loopholes in the domestic market as recent seizures in Nigeria and Indonesia reveal ongoing mass poaching.