Police in Thailand have rescued almost 100 pangolins — members of a protected animal species that is valued as a food delicacy in China and Vietnam.

Police Monday displayed the 97 pangolins, which were found in the back of a pickup truck that tried to evade a checkpoint in southern Thailand Sunday evening. The driver is under arrest.

A Thai customs official said the odd-looking but docile animals are commonly smuggled to other countries to be sold for their meat.

Officials say the meat can be sold for up to $350 a kilogram.

The scaly, ant-eating animals are protected under an international convention governing endangered species.