Pangolin

Few people realize that the Pangolin is our planets most trafficked animal, surpassing both rhino and elephant who consistently dominate international headlines. Little awareness is raised for these precious creatures, an animal so rare it is almost considered mythical. 

 The Pangolin has a great defense system where it rolls up into an armored ball with its powerful scales protecting the face and vulnerable belly. Unfortunately, this defense is also part of its downfall when it comes to being poached. 

A poacher merely has to approach the animal, encouraging it to react defensively into this sturdy defense mechanism that works against most predators, but not a cunning human. It is simply then collected, bagged and trafficked internationally for monumental sums of money. 

Pangolins are slaughtered daily in the illegal wildlife trading market and often even trafficked alive, only to die a grueling death of malnutrition along the way. Their scales - much like the rhino horn - is their ultimate tool for survival, but unfortunately also their greatest threat of extinction.