Pangolins are the most trafficked mammal on Earth, with all eight species threatened by illegal trade for their scales and meat.
Pangolins captured for trafficking experience extreme stress during capture, transport in tightly packed bags, and the shock of temperature and humidity changes. Many die before reaching markets. Those kept alive in markets suffer from starvation and dehydration. Their unique biology — they cannot be kept alive easily in captivity — means most die before or shortly after sale.