Wildlife

Pangolin Welfare and the Trafficking Crisis

Pangolins are the world's most trafficked mammals, facing a devastating welfare and conservation crisis from illegal trade for scales and meat.

Key Facts

All 8 pangolin species are threatened by illegal wildlife trade
Over 1 million pangolins are estimated to have been trafficked since 2000
Scales are used in traditional medicine despite no proven efficacy
Live pangolins curl into a ball as defence, making them easy to collect
All species are listed under CITES Appendix I with zero commercial trade allowed

Welfare Considerations

Captured pangolins experience severe stress from handling, confinement, and transport. Mortality during trafficking is extremely high due to stress-related illness and inappropriate conditions. Rescued pangolins are difficult to rehabilitate due to specialist diet requirements and extreme stress sensitivity.

What You Can Do

Donate to Save Pangolins and African Wildlife Foundation conservation
Report wildlife trafficking to TRAFFIC and Wildlife Justice Commission
Support consumer demand reduction campaigns in range countries
Advocate for stronger enforcement of CITES Appendix I protections for pangolins