Guess We’re Celebrating Pangolins Today! Today is World Pangolin Day, highlighting the plight of pangolins, the only mammals with scales, often called “scaly anteaters.” These animals are the most trafficked on Earth because their scales, made of keratin, are falsely believed to have medicinal value in traditional medicine, despite lacking any actual benefits. China has removed pangolin-based medicines from its official Pharmacopoeia, a positive step as the pangolin is endangered, but their scales have no medicinal value.

• Pangolins are the only mammals with scales and are sometimes known as “scaly anteaters.”
• They are the most trafficked animal on Earth.
• Their scales are made of keratin, like fingernails, and are falsely believed to have medicinal properties.
• China has removed pangolin-based medicines from its official Pharmacopoeia.
• Pangolins are currently endangered.
• The Born Free Foundation offers symbolic pangolin adoptions to help conservation efforts.