Wild Pangolin: The World's Most Trafficked Mammal

All eight pangolin species are threatened by illegal wildlife trade for their scales and meat, making them the most trafficked wild mammals globally, with profound welfare consequences for captured individuals.

Key Facts

All eight pangolin species are listed on CITES Appendix I, prohibiting international commercial trade.
An estimated one million pangolins were trafficked between 2000 and 2013, more than any other mammal.
Pangolins are captured alive and transported in extremely stressful conditions with high mortality rates.
Their scales are keratin — the same protein as human fingernails — yet are falsely believed to have medicinal properties.
Pangolins are highly specialised insectivores that are virtually impossible to maintain in captivity long-term.
They curl into a defensive ball when threatened — behaviour that makes them easy to pick up and bag for traffickers.
Major consuming markets are China and Vietnam, where pangolin scales and meat fetch high prices.

Welfare Considerations

The welfare suffering of trafficked pangolins is severe and largely invisible. Captured animals experience acute stress, physical injury, dehydration, and starvation during transport. Many die before reaching markets. Those that survive to captivity in consuming countries typically die within days or weeks because their dietary and environmental requirements cannot be met in confinement. The conservation and welfare case against pangolin trade is absolute — the species is biologically unsuitable for captivity, the trade is entirely demand-driven, and the benefits claimed for their scales have no scientific foundation.

What You Can Do

Never purchase or use products containing pangolin scales or meat.
Support Save Pangolins, WCS, and TRAFFIC in their anti-trafficking and demand reduction programmes.
Advocate for stronger enforcement at ports of entry against pangolin trafficking.
Support Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners and organisations promoting pangolin-free alternatives.