Pangolin Conservation and Welfare

Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals in the world, facing extinction due to demand for their scales and meat in Asian markets.

Key Facts

An estimated 1 million pangolins have been trafficked in the past decade
All 8 pangolin species are threatened or critically endangered
Pangolins are captured and transported in conditions causing extreme stress and injury
Captured pangolins typically refuse to eat in captivity, dying within days
Traditional Chinese medicine demand for pangolin scales is the primary driver of poaching

Welfare Considerations

Pangolins face a welfare crisis intertwined with their conservation crisis. Trafficked pangolins experience extreme stress during capture, transport in crowded and unsanitary conditions, and typically die within days of captivity as they refuse to eat and succumb to stress-related illness. The suffering of individual pangolins during trafficking is severe and acute. Conservation efforts that protect wild populations also address the welfare suffering of animals who would otherwise be captured. No effective captive breeding program exists, making wild population protection essential.

What You Can Do

Never purchase products containing pangolin scales or meat
Support anti-poaching organizations working to protect pangolins
Advocate for stronger penalties for pangolin trafficking
Donate to organizations working on pangolin conservation in Africa and Asia
Support campaigns to reduce demand for pangolin products in consumer countries