Pangolin Trafficking Persists Despite 500K+ Seizures 2016-2024
Recent Developments
01World Pangolin Day 2026 highlights CITES data on 553,042 pangolins seized globally 2016-2024 across 74 countries and 178 routes
02Pangolin Specialist Group report (Sep 2025) calls for global action amid persistent trafficking despite bans
03Nigeria introduces Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill in 2024 for stronger trafficking penalties
Interventions
- CITES enforcement leading to seizures in 49 countries, with focus on forensics and trade route disruption
- World Animal Protection campaigns for enforcement, community empowerment, and demand reduction in Africa
What Works
- Targeted conservation efforts resulting in pangolin rediscoveries in previously extinct areas, showing species resilience
- Post-COVID downward trend in some trafficking reports, linked to awareness and bans
How to Help
- Donate to organizations like Pangolin Specialist Group, World Wildlife Fund, and World Animal Protection
- Advocate for stronger enforcement and support local conservation in range states
- Raise awareness on World Pangolin Day and reduce demand for scales in traditional medicine
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Verified Organizations
Organizations Helping(4)
PSG publishes detailed reports analyzing pangolin trafficking data from seizures (e.g., over 500,000 pangolins seized 2016-2024), identifies key routes and hotspots, and advocates for stronger enforcement of CITES Appendix I protections, improved wildlife forensics, science-driven demand reduction in Asia, enhanced law enforcement collaboration, and greater involvement of local communities and indigenous peoples in range states to combat overexploitation and trafficking networks.
APC conducts camera trapping and population monitoring in the wild, supports ranger patrols to prevent poaching in key habitats, runs demand reduction campaigns targeting traditional medicine markets in Vietnam and China, rehabilitates confiscated pangolins, and engages indigenous communities to reduce reliance on wildlife trade while promoting alternative livelihoods.
In Nigeria, a major trafficking hotspot, Wild Africa rescues pangolins from bushmeat markets and poachers by purchasing and rehabilitating them; operates a pangolin orphanage and animal rescue center in Lagos led by Dr. Mark Ofua; conducts hands-on anti-trafficking interventions to save individuals, rehabilitate for potential release, and disrupt local supply chains while raising awareness.
APOPO specifically trains detection dogs to identify pangolin scales and products at borders, ports, and supply chain checkpoints to intercept illegal trafficking shipments, enhancing enforcement capabilities against the wildlife trade that threatens pangolin extinction and broader biodiversity.
