Pangolins are the most trafficked wild mammals globally, with all eight species threatened by illegal trade for scales and meat.
Trafficked pangolins experience extreme suffering during capture, confinement, and transport. They do not survive well in captivity, making confiscated animals particularly difficult to rehabilitate. Reducing demand through education and traditional medicine alternatives, combined with robust enforcement, is the priority intervention. Welfare during confiscation and rehabilitation requires specialised knowledge.