Scientists uncover a scaly surprise with new pangolin species

BANGKOK: The small, scaly, and highly endangered pangolin has been keeping a secret: it comprises not eight species but nine, with a new one discovered through analysis of confiscated scales. Scientists previously believed there were four Asian and four African varieties of the shy, nocturnal creature, which is often described as the world’s most trafficked mammal. However, even as the species was discovered, there are signs it may be disappearing, according to research published Tuesday in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Pangolin scales are coveted for use in traditional medicine, despite being made of keratin, just…