Wildlife authorities said today they had seized 46 pangolins and arrested two men believed to be part of an international smuggling ring trafficking endangered animals to restaurants in China.

"The market for these protected animals is in China, where they will be skinned and end up being eaten," said Abdul Jalal Kassim, Wildlife Department head of operations.

Abdul Jalal told AFP the 46 live pangolins, 37 of which were female, were discovered yesterday at a house in the central Selangor state following a tip-off.

"This is part of an international syndicate linking Malaysia and neighbouring countries, especially Thailand, Vietnam and China, and has been going on for a long time," said Abdul Jalal.

He said the scaly anteaters could fetch around RM70 per kilogram in the illegal market, with each animal weighing more than 12 kilos.

'Good money'

"It's good money, which explains why the smuggling activities are so rampant and hard to put a stop to.

"That is why our department and relevant authorities have been cooperating with our neighbours, exchanging information," he said, adding that the rescued anteaters would soon be released into the country's national parks.

Authorities also arrested two local men, who were later released on bail, and would charge them with possessing and smuggling protected animals, which carries a maximum fine of RM10,000 ringgit and up to 10 years in jail.

The scaly anteaters found in Asia and Africa are considered a delicacy in China and other countries, and are prized for their use in traditional medicine.