Prince William joins 'Angry Birds' makers to help endangered species

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Tuesday, November 18, 2014
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Prince William released a video message on Monday about the online Angry Birds competition that will run from November 17 to November 23.

SAN FRANCISCO -- The maker of the hit video game Angry Birds is teaming up with Prince William to raise awareness about an endangered species.

The prince released a video message on Monday about the online Angry Birds competition that will run from November 17 to November 23.

It's all in an effort to help an animal native to China and Southeast Asia that many have probably never heard of.

A pangolin is released into the wild by BKSDA officials at a conservation forest in Sibolangit, North Sumatra, Indonesia, March 1, 2013. (AP Photo/Jefri Tarigan)

"The humble pangolin, a scaly anteater, is one of the most endangered animals on the planet because of poaching," Prince William explained. "The pangolin runs the risk of becoming extinct before most people have even heard of him."

The competition is called "Roll with the Pangolins," and it's co-sponsored by United For Wildlife, an organization headed by Prince William.

The animals are considered a delicacy and are used in traditional medicine and home decorating, making them one of the most trafficked species in the world.