Wildlife

Pangolin Welfare and the Illegal Wildlife Trade

Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals in the world, and the conditions they experience in the illegal trade cause extreme suffering.

Key Facts

All eight pangolin species are threatened by illegal trade
Pangolins are trafficked for their scales used in traditional medicine and their meat
An estimated 1 million pangolins were taken from the wild between 2000 and 2013
Animals in transit may be kept alive in cramped conditions for weeks
Pangolins have very poor survival rates in captivity due to stress and dietary requirements

Welfare Considerations

Pangolins taken from the wild experience extreme stress and physical trauma during capture and transport. Their highly specialised diet and nocturnal habits make captive survival almost impossible. Many die before reaching their destination. Demand reduction and enhanced border enforcement are the primary tools for reducing the welfare burden of the trade.

What You Can Do

Never purchase pangolin products including scales, meat, or medicines
Support WildAid and TRAFFIC demand reduction campaigns
Report suspected pangolin trade to CITES or national enforcement authorities
Donate to pangolin conservation and anti-poaching programmes
Support policy strengthening penalties for wildlife trafficking offences