Discovery of a Mysterious New Pangolin Species

The quirky pangolin, a scaly mammal resembling a reptile, has just added another species to its tally. Contrary to the previously believed eight, researchers have now identified a ninth species of this enigmatic creature. This discovery, however, wasn’t from a forest expedition but from trafficked pangolin scales seized in Hong Kong and Yunnan, China.

Source: BBC Earth/YouTube

Key Highlights:

• Pangolins at a Glance: With their reptilian appearance and coat of scales, pangolins are regarded as the world’s most trafficked mammals. Poachers primarily target them for their meat and medicinal-valued scales.
• The Revelation: Confiscated scales from 2012 to 2019 were examined, leading to the identification of a new, yet-to-be-described pangolin species. This fascinating discovery was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
• Research & Analysis: By analyzing 17 genomes from the seized scales and contrasting them with genomes of the recognized eight species, scientists discerned unique features in the new species. Dubbed “Manis mysteria,” this pangolin belongs to the Asian pangolin category and showcases cryptic diversity—its striking resemblance to known species makes it hard to distinguish.
• Evolutionary Link: The genomes from the scales indicated that M. Mysteria split from other pangolins over five million years ago, according to Hua-Rong Zhang, a Conservation geneticist involved in the study.
• Next Steps: The quest now is to locate this new species in its natural habitat. However, because of its similarity to other Asian pangolins, it’s possible that specimens of M. mysteria already exist, unnoticed in museums or collections.
• Importance of the Find: Understanding pangolins’ genetic diversity aids in combatting their illegal trade. Identifying the source of trafficked scales and determining the most vulnerable species requires a robust database linking pangolin genetics to specific regions. Future collaborations aim to develop forensic tools to boost pangolin Conservation and inform law enforcement.
• Addressing the Demand: Halting the illicit pangolin trade is a multifaceted endeavor. Dr. Shirley emphasizes engaging with pangolin consumers, rather than confronting cultural beliefs. Aligning these consumers with conservation efforts could be pivotal in ensuring the species’ longevity.

In sum, while the discovery of M. Mysteria is a testament to the vast undiscovered biodiversity, it also underscores the urgency to counteract the illegal pangolin trade for the sake of these unique creatures.

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