The most trafficked mammal on earth
A pangolin’s only defence is to roll up in a ball, using its scales as armour. That doesn’t deter poachers, who can just pick the pangolin up and place it in a bag.
Most people have never heard of a pangolin. I didn’t know much about them until I moved to Thailand for a new job. One of our projects involved working on 2 remote islands off the Andaman Sea, setting up camera traps and speaking to locals about pangolin sightings and potential poaching. It was always so exciting to capture footage of these extremely elusive creatures, but I never saw one in real life.
Every month, we travelled several hours in a long tail boat to reach the remote islands of Koh Rong and Koh Ra to conduct pangolin research.
A couple of years later I was working at an animal rescue in Cambodia. One day, someone put a cardboard box on my desk, saying they had rescued something from a restaurant. Inside was a pangolin.
I couldn’t believe there was a live pangolin right there, curled up with one tiny eye peeking out at me!
In my current role, just last week our team at INTERPOL seized 21 pangolins as part of a raid on a cargo ship.
It still amazes me how this unassuming and harmless animal is the most widely trafficked mammal on earth. For scales that are literally made of keratin, like our fingernails.
The pangolin that was brought to my fesk in a cardboard box.
Pangolins are some of the most unique and fascinating creatures on our planet. Often referred to as "scaly anteaters," these elusive mammals are known for their distinctive armor-like scales, which serve as their primary defense mechanism against predators. Despite their incredible adaptations, pangolins face numerous threats, making them one of the most trafficked mammals in the world.
What Are Pangolins?
Pangolins belong to the order Pholidota and are the only mammals entirely covered in protective keratin scales. There are eight species of pangolins, divided between Africa and Asia. They range in size from about a foot long to over three feet, with their bodies specially adapted for their insectivorous diet.
Unique Characteristics of Pangolins
Scaly Armor – Pangolins’ overlapping scales act as a natural suit of armor. When threatened, they curl into a tight ball, making it nearly impossible for predators to harm them.
Incredible Tongues – Their long, sticky tongues can extend up to 16 inches, perfect for slurping up ants and termites from deep within nests.
Nocturnal Lifestyle – Most pangolins are nocturnal, spending their days in burrows or hollow trees and venturing out at night to hunt for food.
Strong Claws – Their powerful front claws help them tear into termite mounds and climb trees effortlessly.
The Threats Facing Pangolins
Unfortunately, pangolins are in grave danger due to illegal poaching and habitat destruction. Their scales are highly sought after in traditional medicine, particularly in Asia, despite no scientific evidence of their medicinal value. Additionally, pangolin meat is considered a delicacy in some cultures, further driving demand. Approximately ONE MILLION pangolins were poached over a ten year period, but due to the high number of seizures every year..this is probably a very conservative number.
Deforestation and human encroachment also threaten their habitats, reducing their natural food sources and safe spaces to live. As a result, all eight pangolin species are classified as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered.
Conservation Efforts
Thankfully, numerous organizations are working to protect pangolins. Conservationists are raising awareness about their plight, pushing for stricter laws against poaching and illegal trade. Some key efforts include:
Strengthening anti-trafficking laws and enforcement.
Establishing pangolin sanctuaries and rescue centers.
Educating local communities on the importance of pangolins in the ecosystem.
Promoting research on pangolin behavior and ecology.
How You Can Help
Support Conservation Groups – Donate to or volunteer with organizations dedicated to pangolin protection: Save Pangolins, The Pangolin Conservation and Reseach Foundation (PCRF) and the Pangolin Crisis Fund.
Raise Awareness – Share information about pangolins with friends and family to help combat misinformation.
Avoid Products from Illegal Wildlife Trade – Be mindful of products that may contain pangolin-derived ingredients.