Wild Pangolin Welfare and Trafficking

Pangolins are the world's most trafficked wild mammal. Poaching and trafficking cause immense individual suffering and have driven multiple species toward extinction.

Key Facts

All eight pangolin species are now protected under CITES, but trafficking continues at scale
An estimated one million pangolins were trafficked in the decade 2007-2016
Pangolins are trafficked primarily for their scales, used in traditional medicine, and their meat
Pangolins do not survive in captivity long-term — captured individuals typically die from stress and disease within months
Pangolin trafficking networks overlap significantly with trafficking networks for other protected species

Welfare Considerations

The welfare of trafficked pangolins is catastrophic. Capture involves severe stress for these shy, solitary animals. Transported in cramped, dark conditions without appropriate food or water, they suffer dehydration, starvation, and disease. Many die during transit. Those who survive to reach markets face further confinement and stress before slaughter. Pangolins' specialized biology — insectivory requiring live ants and termites — means they cannot be maintained in transit conditions without rapid decline. Every trafficked pangolin represents an individual welfare catastrophe, and the scale of trafficking makes this one of the most severe acute welfare crises in wildlife conservation.

What You Can Do

Report suspected pangolin trafficking to TRAFFIC, WWF, or local wildlife crime authorities
Do not purchase traditional medicine products containing pangolin scales — demand reduction saves lives
Support organizations including Save Pangolins and the Pangolin Crisis Fund working on anti-trafficking enforcement
Advocate for strengthened enforcement of CITES protections and consumer demand reduction campaigns
Donate to pangolin rehabilitation programs in range states that care for survivors of trafficking interceptions