Wildlife

Wild Pangolin Welfare and Anti-Trafficking Efforts

Pangolins are the world's most trafficked mammals, with all eight species threatened. Their welfare in transit, rehabilitation, and potential release presents unique challenges.

Key Facts

Over 1 million pangolins have been trafficked over the past decade
Pangolins are highly stressed in captivity - mortality in rehabilitation is extremely high
Their unique defence of curling into a ball makes them easy to collect but vulnerable to hunting
CITES Appendix I listing theoretically prohibits international commercial trade

Welfare Considerations

Pangolin welfare in rehabilitation requires specialised protocols for highly stress-sensitive animals that have evolved to use scent, solitary foraging and nocturnal behaviour. Release site selection and post-release monitoring are critical for welfare assessment.

What You Can Do

Support TRAFFIC and Pangolin Conservation Fund anti-trafficking programmes
Never purchase any products made from pangolin scales or meat
Advocate for strengthened enforcement of CITES pangolin trade protections