Pangolins Face Extinction as World’s Most Trafficked Mammals

Wildlife conservationists are highlighting the crisis facing pangolins on World Pangolin Day, as these unique scaly mammals have become the most smuggled animals globally. Over half a million pangolins were confiscated in trafficking operations between 2016 and 2024, driven by demand for their scales in traditional medicine.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Wildlife experts are drawing attention to a devastating crisis affecting pangolins, unique scaly creatures that have earned the unfortunate distinction of being the world’s most illegally traded mammals.

Saturday marks World Pangolin Day, when conservationists spotlight the dire situation facing these timid, armor-plated animals that inhabit regions across Africa and Asia.

According to data from CITES, the international organization overseeing endangered species trade, pangolins and their body parts surpass all other mammals in illegal wildlife commerce. Between 2016 and 2024, authorities confiscated more than 500,000 pangolins during anti-smuggling raids.

The World Wildlife Fund calculates that more than one million pangolins have been removed from their natural habitats in the past ten years, including countless others that authorities never recovered.

While pangolin meat serves as a luxury food in certain regions, their distinctive scales drive the illicit market. These scales consist of keratin, the same substance found in human nails and hair. Asian markets, particularly in China, prize these scales for unsubstantiated medicinal properties in traditional treatments.

Eight distinct pangolin varieties exist worldwide — four native to Africa and four to Asia. Every species currently faces severe to critical extinction threats.

Despite being called scaly anteaters, pangolins share no genetic connection with actual anteaters or armadillos.

These creatures stand alone as the sole mammals entirely covered in overlapping keratin plates with razor-sharp edges. This natural armor provides exceptional protection, enabling pangolins to curl into impenetrable spheres that even lions cannot penetrate, giving these nighttime insect hunters virtually no natural enemies.

However, this defense proves useless against human poachers. From a conservation perspective, pangolins lack the public appeal of elephants, rhinoceros, or tigers, despite remarkable features like their insect-catching tongues that extend nearly the length of their entire bodies.

Although some data suggests pangolin smuggling has decreased since the COVID-19 outbreak, poaching continues at dangerous levels throughout African regions, conservationists report.

Nigeria represents a major trafficking center. Dr. Mark Ofua, a veterinary specialist and West African representative for Wild Africa conservation organization, has dedicated over ten years to pangolin rescue efforts, initially purchasing animals from bushmeat vendors to save their lives. He operates both an animal rehabilitation facility and pangolin nursery in Lagos.

Ofua’s work focuses on educating Nigerians about pangolins through children’s wildlife programs and recruiting entertainers, musicians, and social media influencers with massive followings to participate in conservation efforts or simply appear alongside pangolins.

Three of Africa’s four pangolin species live in Nigeria, yet remain largely unknown among the nation’s 240 million residents.

Ofua’s commitment to pangolin awareness began during an incident while transporting rescued pangolins in a carrier. A group of well-dressed young men approached and inquired about the animals’ identity.

“Oh, those are baby dragons,” he responded playfully. The exchange sparked deeper reflection.

“There is a dark side to that admission,” Ofua said. “If people do not even know what a pangolin looks like, how do you protect them?”