Wild Pangolin: The World's Most Trafficked Mammal

Pangolins are the most heavily trafficked wild mammals globally, with all eight species threatened by demand for scales and meat in Asian and African markets.

Key Facts

Over one million pangolins were estimated to have been trafficked in the decade 2007-2016.
All eight pangolin species are listed on CITES Appendix I, prohibiting international commercial trade.
Pangolin scales (made of keratin, like human fingernails) are used in traditional medicine despite no proven efficacy.
Pangolins are highly specialised insectivores, consuming up to 70 million ants and termites annually.
They cannot survive in captivity — virtually all captured wild pangolins die within days to weeks.
Pangolins roll into a ball when threatened — an effective defence against predators, useless against human poachers.
African pangolin populations are now being heavily targeted as Asian populations decline.
Pangolins are suspected to have been an intermediate host in coronavirus spillover events due to human-wildlife contact in markets.

Welfare Considerations

Pangolin trafficking imposes extreme welfare suffering across the entire supply chain. Captured animals are typically transported in cramped sacks or containers with multiple individuals, causing crush injuries, respiratory distress, and dehydration. Transit can last days without food, water, or appropriate temperature. Animals that survive transport to markets are kept in live conditions before slaughter. Those confiscated by authorities face near-certain death in rescue facilities — pangolins are so specialised and stress-sensitive that even expert care rarely sustains them. The very defence mechanism that evolved to protect them from predators — rolling into a ball — makes them easy for humans to collect. Each pangolin that enters the trade almost certainly dies.

What You Can Do

Never purchase pangolin scales, meat, or traditional medicines containing pangolin derivatives.
Support Save Pangolins, Pangolin Crisis Fund, and African Pangolin Working Group.
Advocate for stronger penalties for pangolin trafficking under CITES and national legislation.
Support demand reduction campaigns targeting traditional medicine use of pangolin scales.
Report suspected pangolin trafficking to TRAFFIC and local law enforcement.
Choose plant-based or scientifically validated alternatives to traditional medicines containing wildlife products.