Wild Pangolin Conservation and Trafficking Welfare

The welfare crisis facing pangolins, the world most trafficked wild mammal, and conservation responses.

Key Facts

All eight pangolin species are threatened, with four classified as critically endangered
Pangolins are the most trafficked wild mammals globally, with over 1 million seized in the past decade
They are targeted for their scales used in traditional medicine and meat consumed as a luxury food
Pangolins have poor survival rates in captivity, making rescue and rehabilitation extremely difficult
Their solitary, nocturnal lifestyle and specialized ant and termite diet make captive care highly challenging
China upgraded pangolins to the highest level of domestic protection in 2020, and removed them from traditional medicine guidelines

Welfare Considerations

Pangolin welfare intersects acutely with conservation — these animals suffer enormously during trafficking, with mortality rates of 50-80% before reaching markets, and they cannot be successfully maintained in captivity for rescue. The welfare response to pangolin trafficking must therefore focus on preventing the suffering caused by capture and transit rather than treating its consequences. This requires law enforcement engagement, demand reduction in consumer markets, and community-based conservation that gives local communities economic stakes in pangolin protection. Every pangolin prevented from entering the trade represents both a welfare and conservation success.

What You Can Do

Support TRAFFIC and Save Pangolins working on anti-trafficking law enforcement and demand reduction
Advocate against traditional medicine products using pangolin scales
Donate to organizations working with range country communities on pangolin protection programs
Raise awareness about pangolin conservation status in your network