World’s 'Most Trafficked Mammal', Pangolin Rescued in India - Video

New Delhi (Sputnik): Fully covered in scales, the shy mammal is the most commonly illegally trafficked animal and is used for commercial purposes such as food and traditional medicine. Despite all eight of its species being protected under national and international laws, pangolin meat is considered a delicacy in some Asian countries.

An endangered pangolin has been rescued by the forest department in the Indian state of Jharkhand after being captured by villagers in the Jamtara district who claimed to have found the animal in a field.

A viral video shows locals holding the pangolin by its tail before moving it to a safe place.

The meek animal, which can only defend itself by curling into a ball to use its sharp scales against a predator, can be seen haplessly trying to run away from the people while being held.

The most trafficked mammal, next only to humans is rescued at Jamtara district of Jharkhand.

This animal is severely stressed. But all rescues are to be videographed before shifting them to safety. The times we live😡 pic.twitter.com/stCfsBNc3w

— Susanta Nanda IFS (@susantananda3) April 20, 2020

Indian Forest Service officer Susanta Nanda, who shared the video on Twitter, explained why all rescues have to be filmed before shifting them to safety.

Though many people are happy that the rare animal was rescued, several others are disturbed by how the creature was handled during the process.

 

That's not how to restrain them especially if it already stressed.

— Perfection◇(P7). (@Perfection710) April 20, 2020