Welfare of Pangolins in the Illegal Wildlife Trade

Pangolins are the most trafficked wild mammals in the world, with the trade causing profound individual suffering and population collapse.

Key Facts

Pangolins are the only mammals fully covered in scales
All eight species are threatened or endangered due to illegal trade
They are trafficked for meat and scales used in traditional medicine
Captured pangolins often die from stress before reaching buyers
A single pangolin can consume 70 million insects annually benefiting ecosystems

Welfare Considerations

Pangolins experience extreme suffering in the illegal trade. Their primary defense of curling into a ball makes them easy to handle after capture but provides no protection. Transport in cramped conditions without food or water for days causes extreme stress and dehydration. Many die in transit. Live pangolins stored in bags or cages at markets experience prolonged terror. Their natural feeding on ants and termites cannot be replicated in captivity. The welfare failure throughout the trade chain is total.

What You Can Do

Never purchase pangolin products or traditional medicine containing pangolin scales
Report suspected pangolin trafficking to wildlife crime authorities
Support organizations fighting pangolin trafficking including Wildlife Justice Commission
Donate to pangolin research and conservation programs