The white-bellied pangolin is the most trafficked of the four African pangolin species, with enormous volumes traded from Central African forests to Asian markets. Their welfare during capture, transport, and in destination markets is extremely poor.
White-bellied pangolins captured for trade are typically placed in tight containers without food, water, or appropriate temperature. Their stress response causes them to roll tightly, which traders exploit to stack multiple animals. Mortality during transit is extremely high. Animals that survive the journey face further stress in markets before slaughter. The welfare harm across the entire trafficking chain is severe and prolonged for an animal that is already distressed by any handling.