Pangolins are the world most trafficked mammals, with all eight species threatened by hunting for their scales and meat despite international protections.
Pangolins captured for trade suffer acutely from stress, rough handling, dehydration, and unsuitable conditions during transport. They curl into balls when threatened, making them easy to collect but also meaning they suffocate when stacked in bags. Most die before reaching their destination. The few that reach wildlife rescue centers rarely survive due to highly specialized dietary and behavioral needs. Their scales are made of keratin, the same material as human fingernails, with no proven medicinal value. The illegal trade is primarily driven by demand in East and Southeast Asian markets for luxury food and traditional medicine.