Pangolins: The Most Trafficked Mammals in the World
CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Pangolins, sought after for their distinctive scales, are the most trafficked mammals globally. This situation was highlighted again by wildlife conservationists during World Pangolin Day.
These unique animals—often referred to as scaly anteaters—are particularly vulnerable. A report from CITES revealed that over 500,000 pangolins have been confiscated in anti-trafficking operations from 2016 to 2024, making them more frequently targeted in wildlife smuggling than any other species.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) estimates that more than a million pangolins have been captured over the past decade, some of which have reportedly never been recovered.
Interestingly, while pangolin meat is considered a delicacy in certain regions, the primary driver behind their illegal trade is their scales. These scales are composed of keratin, similar to that found in human hair and nails. There’s a particularly high demand for them in China and across Asia, fueled by unproven claims regarding their benefits in traditional medicine.
There are eight different species of pangolins, split evenly between Africa and Asia, and all of them face some level of extinction risk.
Pangolins stand out as the only mammals covered entirely in keratin scales, which can overlap and have sharp edges—this unique adaptation allows them to curl up defensively when threatened. Despite this, their defenses are ineffective against human hunters. Sadly, unlike elephants or tigers, pangolins don’t evoke as strong of a conservation response, even though they have intriguing traits, like their long, sticky tongues designed for catching insects.
Recent reports suggest a decline in pangolin trafficking since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, yet poaching remains serious in various African regions. Nigeria, for example, is a significant hub for this trade. Dr. Mark Ofua, a wildlife veterinarian with over a decade of experience rescuing pangolins, has been actively involved in raising awareness in the country.
Operating a rescue center and orphanage in Lagos, he emphasizes the need to educate the Nigerian public about these animals. He often engages with children through wildlife shows and collaborates with celebrities to amplify conservation messages.
Despite the presence of three out of the four African species in Nigeria, pangolins remain largely unknown to the country’s 240 million people. Dr. Ofua recalls a moment when he transported a rescued pangolin—upon seeing it, a group of young men asked about the creature. He light-heartedly referred to it as a “baby dragon,” which sparked a deeper reflection on public awareness.
“If people don’t even recognize what pangolins are, how can we expect to protect them?” he remarked, highlighting the urgent need for education and advocacy.
