Manis Mysteria
Why in news ?
Adding to the eight known species of pangolins, scientists recently discovered a ninth variety, tentatively named “Manis mysteria”
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Manis Mysteria
- Findings – eight species of pangolin (4 Asian and 4 African varieties).
- It is now updated to nine with the newly discovered pangolin named Manis Mysteria.
- Manis Mysteria – This species bears similarities to the Asian branch of the pangolin family, known as Manis.
- The researchers gave it the name Manis Mysteria, in reference to its enigmatic nature.
- Origin – Most of the Asian pangolins are thought to have originated in South-East Asia.
- Threats – which is a victim of global trafficking, are coveted in particular for use in traditional medicine.
- The small animal is also highly prized for its meat.
What are Pangolins?
- They are mammals known for their distinctive appearance and protective scales.
- They are often referred to as “scaly anteaters” due to their characteristic scales and their diet, which primarily consists of ants and termites.
- Pangolins are found in parts of Africa and Asia and are known for their elusive nature and status as the most trafficked mammals in the world.
Threat:
- All pangolin species are listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
- The Indian pangolin, also called thick-tailed pangolin, is classified as Endangered under the IUCN Red List.
Source – The Hindu
