"The trade in exotic pets and endangered species is 60 per cent bigger than previously thought, putting 5,000 species at risk of extinction, new research shows. More than 5,000 vertebrate species are being bought and sold both legally and illegally across borders, a study from the University of Sheffield has found. The billion-dollar industry has been fuelled by the growing demand for exotic pets, furs, jewellery and body parts used for traditional medicine - such as the endangered pangolin, the world's most trafficked mammal. Also under threat is the helmeted hornbill, prized for its unique solid casque that has been dubbed 'red ivory'. It is used to make bracelets, beads and ornaments..."