Chinese researchers who conducted the investigation on the animal origin of the deadly coronavirus outbreak in China found that the endangered pangolin may be the reason for the outbreak. Scientists at the South China Agricultural University found the genome sequences of viruses in pangolins to be 99% identical to those on coronavirus patients. The scientists conducted tests on more than 1,000 samples from wild animals.
Pangolin:
Pangolins look more like reptiles. But these animals are mammals with a unique feature. Pangolins have large, protective keratin scales that cover their skin. Pangolins are the only known mammals with this feature. They use these scales for protection. If an enemy comes near it, the pangolin immediately curls into a tight ball shape. Only the scales will be visible to the enemy. It feeds on ants and termites. It is hunted and traded for their scales, meat, and other body parts. It is used as traditional medicines
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