Louisa Kelland, Mateo, Pangolin Protector (People and Portrait 2018)

Pangolin scales are composed of keratin, like our human hair and fingernails (also the same as the rhino horn). The scales are sold illegally for as much as $500 per kilogram to treat asthma, migraines, or to stimulate milk production in women. Unfortunately these claims have made the Pangolin the most trafficked mammal on earth. Marimba is protected 24/7 by a team of carers who treasure her like their own child wandering about in search of ants and termites. This is Mateo, her favourite, who sometimes offers her a ride when the distance between ant hills is too taxing.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.