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How We Can Help Protect The World’s Most Trafficked Animal, The Pangolin

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Author Alana Theron, BSc in Biodiversity and Ecology

Pangolin
Pangolin. Image via Depositphotos

On February 15, 2025, people around the world will celebrate World Pangolin Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about one of the most endangered and misunderstood mammals on the planet. Pangolins, known for their distinctive scales and shy nature, are also the most trafficked mammal in the world. Conservationists are working tirelessly to protect these gentle creatures from the threats they face.

The World’s Most Trafficked Mammal

Chinese Pangolin
Chinese Pangolin. Image by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Pangolins are hunted relentlessly for their scales and meat, particularly in Asia and Africa. Their scales, made of keratin (the same substance as human nails), are falsely believed to have medicinal properties. Their meat is also considered a delicacy in some countries. Over the past decade, millions of pangolins have been illegally captured, pushing some species to the brink of extinction.

Why Pangolins Matter

Pangolin
Pangolin. Photo by Studio Crevettes, via Unsplash

Beyond their unusual appearance, pangolins play a crucial role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. A single pangolin can eat up to 70 million ants and termites a year, helping to control insect populations. Their burrowing habits improve soil health, making them essential to the environments they live in. Losing pangolins would have far-reaching consequences for forests and grasslands.

Conservation Efforts Are Making a Difference

A pair of pangolins in the wild one pangolin is walking across the ground and another smaller pangolin is riding on its back the ground is covered with fallen leaves and grass showing a natural forest environment
Pangolins in their natural habitat nature’s pest controllers and important soil engineers playing a vital role in maintaining ecological balance Philippine Pangolins by Gregg Yan via pixabay

Despite the grim reality, conservation groups are working hard to protect pangolins. In late 2024, a global anti-trafficking operation resulted in the rescue of 12 live pangolins and the seizure of nearly 4,500 kilograms of pangolin scales in Nigeria. Organizations like the Wildlife Trust of India continue to rehabilitate and release pangolins back into the wild, giving them a second chance.

How You Can Help Save Pangolins

Pangolin
Pangolin. Image by WildlifeConservationist, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Everyone can play a part in protecting pangolins from extinction. Here are a few ways to help:

  • Spread Awareness – Share facts about pangolins and the illegal wildlife trade on social media.
  • Support Conservation Efforts – Donate to organizations fighting to protect pangolins.
  • Push for Stronger Laws – Advocate for stricter regulations against illegal pangolin trade.

A Future Where Pangolins Thrive

pangolin
Pangolin in a defensive position. Rachad sanoussi, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

World Pangolin Day serves as a reminder that we must act now to protect pangolins before it’s too late. With stronger laws, better enforcement, and global awareness, we can ensure these remarkable creatures continue to exist for generations to come. Every effort, no matter how small, brings us closer to a future where pangolins are safe in the wild.

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