The reclusive pangolin has become the most trafficked mammal on earth due to soaring demand in Asia for their scales for traditional medicine and their flesh, considered a delicacy. 'Delicious and nutritious'Although the pangolin trade is illegal in Vietnam and they are in the government's "red book" of endangered species, law enforcement remains weak. "Pangolin meat is very delicious and nutritious and very good for your health," said government employee Nguyen Van Thinh, 56. "Pangolin scales are... very good for heart and blood circulation diseases. Thai, the 34-year-old director of Save Vietnam's Wildlife, said he has watched in dismay as pangolin numbers have fallen through the floor.

Source: The Nation Bangkok November 15, 2016 04:09 UTC