Wild Pangolin Welfare and Trafficking Crisis

Pangolins are the most trafficked mammal in the world, with all eight species threatened by poaching for scales and meat, driving population collapses across Asia and Africa.

Key Facts

Over one million pangolins are estimated to have been trafficked in the past decade
Pangolin scales are keratin - the same as human fingernails - yet are sold as traditional medicine
All eight pangolin species are listed on CITES Appendix I banning international commercial trade
Pangolins are physiologically sensitive and rarely survive in captivity for more than a few months
In the wild pangolins are solitary and range across large territories, making captive conditions especially poor

Welfare Considerations

Trafficked pangolins suffer enormously - cramped transport in sacks or cages, injuries, dehydration, and stress. Pangolins are highly sensitive animals with specialized diets of ants and termites that are impossible to replicate in captivity, meaning captured animals almost always die before reaching their destination. Demand reduction in consumer markets combined with enforcement is the only effective intervention.

What You Can Do

Never consume pangolin products including scales, meat, or traditional medicines containing pangolin
Support TRAFFIC and WCS campaigns targeting pangolin trafficking networks
Advocate for stronger enforcement at ports and markets where pangolin products are sold
Donate to anti-poaching programs in African and Asian pangolin range countries