Pangolin: what it is and why it is in grave danger

Pangolins, small, with a scaly body apparently strong but seriously endangered. To focus on the risks that this species runs, Google has dedicated the doodle that anticipates the Valentine's Day to them

He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him

Pangolini, small, with a scaly body apparently strong but seriously endangered. To focus on the risks that this species runs, Google has dedicated the doodle that anticipates the Valentine's Day.

Today February 13, opening the home page of the search engine we found ourselves in front of a very colorful image featuring two pangolins. Perhaps little known animals but which have a sad record: they are the busiest mammals in the world.

READ also: PANGOLINI, HERE ARE THE MOST ILLEGALLY TRAFFICATED MAMMALS IN THE WORLD (VIDEO)

There are 8 species on Earth and they all have to deal with various threats, but above all with the poachers and smugglers. Pangolins live in tropical areas of South and Southeast Asia (China, Taiwan, North India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar) and sub-Saharan Africa. All are classified between vulnerable and highly endangered.

Also notice how anteaters scaly, seem invincible with their armor: their body is in fact covered with scales made up of keratin which, overlapping one another, form a sort of protective shield. But this physical characteristic of theirs is not enough to protect them from the cruelty of poachers.

I pangolin they are tempting because they are considered an Asian delicacy, ending up in some typical oriental dishes. But not only. They are also exploited in traditional Asian medicine because their flaky skin is thought to improve kidney function, treat asthma and improve the signs of psoriasis.

READ also: 5 PRODUCTS OF ANIMAL ORIGIN THAT DO NOT CURE AT ALL

A doodle for the pangolins

Pangolin: what it is and why it is in grave danger

To celebrate Valentine's day, Google has dedicated a doodle to pangolins. Opening the page there is an interactive animation, which allows you to play with a pangolin (by moving the arrows on the keyboard). A game that will allow one of the two protagonist animals to prepare a chocolate cake for the other and celebrate Valentine's Day.