Ep 17. The World's Most Wanted Animal

In "The World's Most Wanted Animal," the latest episode of Nature's 36th season, viewers are introduced to a fascinating and often elusive creature: the pangolin. Considered by many to be the world's most trafficked animal, this small, scaly mammal is highly prized in certain parts of the world for its meat and for its scales, which are believed to have medicinal properties.

Despite these dangers, the pangolin has remained largely elusive to researchers and conservationists. In this episode, viewers get an up-close look at the efforts to save these fascinating creatures from poaching and habitat loss.

As the episode begins, viewers are introduced to a group of pangolin researchers in Uganda who are studying the animals' behavior and tracking their movements in the wild. The researchers use radio collars to keep tabs on individual pangolins, allowing them to better understand the animals' daily routines and how they interact with their environment.

From there, the episode delves into the various threats facing pangolins in the wild. Poaching is a major problem, with millions of these creatures estimated to have been killed over the last decade alone. And in many cases, the demand for pangolins comes from countries like China, where the animal's meat and scales are seen as luxury items.

To combat these threats, conservationists are turning to a variety of tactics. Some are lobbying governments to crack down on illegal poaching and trading, while others are working to raise awareness about the plight of the pangolin and the importance of protecting these unique creatures for future generations.

Throughout the episode, viewers also get to see some of the more heartwarming moments of pangolin conservation, such as the release of rehabilitated animals back into the wild. And as the researchers and conservationists work to better understand these creatures and protect their habitats, viewers are left with a deep appreciation for the importance of preserving the natural world.

Overall, "The World's Most Wanted Animal" is a fascinating and thought-provoking episode of Nature that shines a light on the plight of the pangolin and the tireless efforts of those who are working to save them. With stunning wildlife footage and moving interviews, this episode is a must-see for anyone who cares about the fate of endangered species and the future of our planet.