14. Pangolins
Meet the pangolins, armored creatures that resemble walking artichokes. These scaly mammals are equipped with an impressive defense mechanism – they roll into a protective ball when threatened, making them nearly invulnerable to predators. Tragically, the very scales that protect them have also led to their endangerment, as they are hunted relentlessly for their supposed medicinal value. All eight species of pangolins are at risk, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation.
