Pangolins: The World's Most Trafficked Mammal

Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals on Earth, with all eight species now threatened by demand from the traditional medicine and bushmeat markets.

Key Facts

An estimated 1 million pangolins have been trafficked over the last decade — more than any other mammal
All eight species of pangolin are protected under CITES Appendix I since 2016 — international commercial trade is banned
Pangolins are nocturnal, solitary insectivores whose welfare in captivity is very poor — most die within weeks
Their scales are made of keratin — identical to human fingernails — and have no proven medicinal value
Chinese and Sunda pangolins are critically endangered; other species are vulnerable to endangered

Welfare Considerations

Pangolins experience profound welfare harm at every stage of trafficking: capture from the wild, often by snaring; transportation in sacks without food, water or appropriate temperature; holding in crowded markets; and slaughter. Their welfare in captivity is particularly poor — they are highly specialist feeders on specific ant and termite species, stress easily, and die rapidly without appropriate care. The scale of their trafficking — tonnes of scales confiscated in single operations — suggests millions of animals are killed annually. Every purchased dose of pangolin-derived traditional medicine directly funds this welfare catastrophe.

What You Can Do

Never purchase products containing pangolin scales or derivatives in any form
Support the Pangolin Crisis Fund and Traffic in their anti-trafficking and demand reduction work
Donate to pangolin rescue sanctuaries that specialise in the extraordinarily difficult welfare requirements of captive pangolins
Engage with demand reduction campaigns in consumer countries targeting traditional medicine markets
Support enforcement agencies at international borders and ports that intercept pangolin trafficking