The white-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis) is the world’s most trafficked mammal and is at risk of extinction. Reducing the illegal wildlife trade requires an understanding of its origins.

Its trade is banned by an international agreement. However authorities in Hong Kong regularly confiscate large shipments from Africa. But once animal remains have been seized, it’s often difficult to pin down where they came from. Analysing their DNA points the finger at Central Africa, with Nigeria being an important hub.