Pangolin Trafficking and Welfare

Pangolins are the most trafficked wild mammals on Earth, with all eight species facing severe declines as millions are captured and smuggled annually under conditions causing extreme suffering and death.

Key Facts

All eight pangolin species are listed as threatened or endangered on the IUCN Red List
An estimated 195,000 pangolins are trafficked annually for scales and meat
Pangolins die rapidly in captivity from stress, dehydration, and inability to feed normally
When threatened, pangolins roll into a ball — making them easy for poachers to collect
Pangolin scales are keratin with no proven medicinal value despite high demand in Asia
Trafficking networks move pangolins from Africa and Asia through transnational criminal organizations

Welfare Considerations

Trafficking causes immense suffering at every stage. Pangolins are torn from burrows or trees, often injured in capture. They are packed into cramped containers without food or water for journeys lasting days or weeks. Their stress response — rolling into a defensive ball — makes them easy to handle but traps them in a state of chronic fear. Most die before reaching markets. Those that survive to live markets or farms endure prolonged starvation and psychological distress. Rescue and rehabilitation of trafficked pangolins is extremely difficult, with most unable to be released successfully.

What You Can Do

Support organizations like Save Pangolins and the Pangolin Crisis Fund combating trafficking
Advocate for stronger enforcement of CITES protections for all pangolin species
Demand that governments treat pangolin trafficking as serious organized crime
Avoid any products claiming to contain pangolin scales or derivatives
Support community rangers protecting pangolin habitat from poaching in range countries