Pangolin Welfare: Most Trafficked Mammal in the World

All eight pangolin species are threatened by illegal trade for scales and meat causing severe welfare harm during trafficking.

Key Facts

Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals in the world with over one million taken from wild in a decade
All eight species are listed on CITES Appendix I banning international commercial trade since 2017
Pangolins roll into a ball when threatened making them easy to collect by hand
Stress during trafficking causes immune suppression leading to pneumonia and other diseases
Pangolins eat exclusively ants and termites making them impossible to feed in transit

Welfare Considerations

Trafficked pangolins experience extreme welfare harm. Animals are packed tightly in sacks or crates causing injuries and restricting movement. Dehydration and starvation occur as pangolins cannot be fed in transit. Stress from handling causes physiological collapse. Disease including respiratory infections kills significant numbers before reaching markets. Animals sold into traditional medicine markets face slaughter methods causing severe pain. The specialist diet makes rescue and rehabilitation extremely challenging.

What You Can Do

Support TRAFFIC and WWF pangolin anti-poaching and trade monitoring work
Never purchase pangolin products including scales, meat, or traditional medicine containing pangolin
Report suspected pangolin trade to TRAFFIC or local wildlife crime authorities
Donate to African Wildlife Foundation pangolin ranger training programmes
Advocate for stronger enforcement of CITES and domestic laws protecting pangolins