Wildlife

Welfare of Pangolins in Trafficking

Pangolins are the world most trafficked mammals; the welfare suffering during capture, transport, and traditional medicine processing is extreme and well-documented.

Key Facts

Over a million pangolins have been trafficked in the past decade
All eight pangolin species are on CITES Appendix I with international trade bans
Trafficked pangolins arrive emaciated, dehydrated, and often near death
Pangolins roll into balls when stressed, making them vulnerable to capture and transport
Traditional medicine demand drives trafficking despite no scientific evidence of efficacy

Welfare Considerations

Pangolin trafficking inflicts severe welfare suffering at every stage: terrifying capture, prolonged confinement without food or water, and inhumane killing for traditional medicine processing. The welfare crisis is inseparable from the conservation crisis.

What You Can Do

Donate to pangolin trafficking enforcement and conservation programs
Advocate for intensified anti-trafficking efforts and penalties for pangolin trade
Support demand reduction campaigns in traditional medicine markets
Share pangolin welfare information to build public pressure against trafficking