Global Wildlife

Pangolin Trafficking Crisis

Pangolins are the most trafficked mammal in the world, with all eight species threatened by demand for their scales and meat in China and Vietnam, pushing some towards extinction.

Key Facts

Pangolins are the world's most trafficked wild animal - over a million taken in a decade
All eight pangolin species are threatened, four critically so
Scales are made of keratin, the same as human fingernails, used in traditional medicine
Pangolins have no teeth, using muscular stomachs and swallowed pebbles to grind food
A single pangolin can eat up to 70 million insects per year - important pest control

Welfare Considerations

Pangolin welfare in trafficking is devastating - animals are transported live in terrible conditions and often killed inhumanely. The welfare and conservation crisis requires both supply-side enforcement and demand-side cultural change in consumer countries.

What You Can Do

Never purchase pangolin products and report any sightings to wildlife crime authorities
Support Save Pangolins and WildAid demand reduction campaigns
Advocate for continued CITES protection and enhanced enforcement of pangolin trade