Chinese pangolin – unusually for a mammal, pangolins are covered in scales, which are formed from fused hair and contribute to a quarter of the species’ total weight. With its powerful claws and long (up to 40cm) tongue, Chinese pangolins are specialised for feeding solely on ants and termites, resulting in them sometimes being given the alternative common name of scaly anteaters. This species is being massively overexploited for its meat – which is considered a delicacy – and for its skin and scales which are used in traditional Chinese medicine

Photograph: Keren Su/Corbis