Although at first glance, a pangolin may look like a reptile, it is actually a mammal.

These mammals are covered in large, hardened overlapping scales with ridges. The keratin scales make up a hard shell of sorts, making the animal resemble a rui fish. Because of this resemblance, many locals call Pangolins, Bon Rui.

They are nocturnal creatures, preferring to sleep the day away.According to the experts, these animals do not harm the people. They live deep in the forests of Sylhet, Sundarbans and Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh.  Pangolins have been declared as protected under the Wildlife Act of 1974.

At present people are killing this creatures indiscriminately, threatening their existence. Parts of the creature are used for making traditional medicine or totka. There are eight species of pangolins in the world. Three pangolin species are reported to occur in Bangladesh, but currently only one species is present, the China pangolin.

Pangolins are also reportedly the most trafficked animal in the world.The traditional medicines they are used for are not backed by any scientific fact. These are actually a technique to prey on people who may not know the facts.

The animal is currently listed as vulnerable by the International Nature and Natural Resources Conservation Association.