Pangolin Conservation and Welfare

Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals in the world, with their welfare and survival in crisis due to demand for scales and meat.

Key Facts

All eight pangolin species are threatened or endangered due to trafficking
Over one million pangolins have been estimated to have been trafficked in the last decade
Pangolins are captured alive for markets, causing extreme stress during transport
In captivity, pangolins almost never survive long-term due to stress and specialized dietary needs
Pangolin scales are made of keratin — the same material as human fingernails — with no proven medicinal value

Welfare Considerations

Trafficked pangolins experience extreme suffering throughout the supply chain: capture, packaging in tight bundles or bags, prolonged transport without food or water, and the stress of markets and captive holding. Their specialized diet and extreme sensitivity to stress make them practically impossible to keep alive in captivity, meaning most die before reaching their destination. The welfare harm is enormous in scale, cumulative, and driven by demand for a product with no proven value.

What You Can Do

Never purchase products containing pangolin scales or meat
Support CITES enforcement and customs training to intercept pangolin trafficking
Donate to the Pangolin Crisis Fund and TRAFFIC anti-trafficking programs
Raise awareness about pangolin trafficking and the lack of evidence for scale efficacy
Support economic development programs in range states that reduce wildlife trafficking incentives