Protecting pangolin habitat in Asia and Africa is as important as anti-trafficking enforcement for long-term population welfare.
Pangolins in degraded habitats experience food insecurity as forest ant and termite communities decline with deforestation. Habitat loss brings pangolins closer to roads and settlements increasing trafficking exposure. Stressed, undernourished pangolins have reduced immune function making them more vulnerable to disease in captivity. Habitat protection simultaneously improves individual welfare and reduces trafficking vulnerability.