Mammals

Pangolin Trafficking and Extinction Risk

All eight pangolin species are threatened with extinction due to poaching for scales and meat, making them the world most trafficked wild mammal.

Key Facts

Over one million pangolins have been estimated trafficked in the past decade
Pangolin scales are used in traditional medicine despite having no proven medical benefit
All eight species are now classified as Vulnerable to Critically Endangered on the IUCN list
Pangolins are solitary nocturnal animals that curl into a ball when threatened

Welfare Considerations

Pangolin trafficking involves severe welfare impacts at every stage: snaring or pit trapping causes injury, transport in cramped conditions causes stress and dehydration, and slaughter methods are often inhumane. Pangolins do not survive well in captivity, meaning confiscated animals face difficult rehabilitation. Demand reduction in consumer countries is essential.

What You Can Do

Never purchase pangolin scales meat or products derived from pangolins
Support conservation organizations working on demand reduction campaigns
Advocate for stronger enforcement of CITES protections for pangolins
Donate to pangolin rehabilitation programs in range countries