All eight pangolin species are under severe threat from poaching for the illegal wildlife trade. They are the most trafficked mammals globally, representing a massive welfare crisis.
Pangolins are notoriously stress-sensitive and die rapidly in captivity without specialized care. Those caught for the live wildlife trade experience extreme stress from handling, transport, and confinement that causes death within days in many cases. Pangolins found in trade are typically in severe physiological distress by the time they reach authorities. Rescue and rehabilitation is extremely difficult due to their specialized diet and psychological sensitivity. The scale of pangolin poaching means millions of individuals have experienced acute suffering and death for scales and meat that have no scientifically validated medicinal value.