Kathmandu, Feb. 20 -- Pangolins were already theworld's most trafficked mammals,but the scaly anteaters were thrust into the global spotlight when they were found to be themissing link in the transfer of the novel coronavirusfrom bats to humans.

As scientists continue to investigate the origins and early transmission of SARS-CoV-2, they are finding a strong correlation betweenemerging zoonotic diseases and biodiversity loss.Studies revealed that the spike protein found in the virus as being present in Malayan pangolins.

In some instances, the endangered species has been viewed negatively because ofits close association with the virusthat has now infected 110 million and killed 2.2 million people worldwide. But this has not resulted in a...