Pangolins: Most Trafficked Mammal at Risk of Extinction
Pangolins are the world’s most trafficked mammals, hunted for their scales and meat. Conservationists warn that without stronger protections, several species could go extinct within decades
Pangolins, sometimes called “scaly anteaters,” have earned the grim distinction of being the most trafficked mammals on Earth, with millions of individuals smuggled across Asia and Africa over the past decades. Their appeal lies primarily in two markets: traditional medicine and luxury cuisine. In countries like China and Vietnam, pangolin scales are believed to have medicinal properties, despite no scientific evidence supporting these claims, while their meat is considered a delicacy and a status symbol in wealthy circles. This high demand has fueled a lucrative illegal trade, making pangolins extremely vulnerable to poaching.
The mammals’ slow reproductive rate exacerbates the crisis: most species produce only one offspring per year, so overexploitation quickly drives populations toward collapse. Additionally, pangolins’ nocturnal and solitary behavior makes monitoring and protecting them challenging in the wild, giving traffickers an advantage. Conservation organizations report that trafficking routes often span continents, with animals captured in Africa and shipped to Asia through complex smuggling networks.
International responses have included listing all pangolin species under CITES Appendix I, banning commercial trade, and launching global awareness campaigns. However, enforcement remains difficult due to high profits, corruption, and demand persistence. Experts warn that if current trafficking levels continue, several pangolin species could face extinction in the wild within decades, representing not only a loss of biodiversity but also a failure to protect one of the planet’s most unique mammals.
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