Pangolins Face Extinction as Illegal Trade Continues

On World Pangolin Day, wildlife conservationists once again highlighted the alarming crisis facing pangolins — the shy, scaly mammals found across parts of Africa and Asia. Despite global awareness efforts, pangolins remain the most trafficked mammals in the world.

According to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), more than 500,000 pangolins were seized in anti-trafficking operations between 2016 and 2024. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) estimates that over one million pangolins have been taken from the wild in the past decade, including those that were never intercepted.

Why Are Pangolins Targeted?

Pangolins are hunted mainly for their scales, which are made of keratin — the same protein found in human hair and nails. In China and some other parts of Asia, the scales are used in traditional medicine, based on unproven beliefs that they can cure various illnesses.

Their meat is also considered a delicacy in certain regions, but the primary driver of illegal trade remains demand for their scales.

Unique but Vulnerable Species

There are eight species of pangolins — four in Africa and four in Asia — and all of them are facing a high to extremely high risk of extinction.

Often called “scaly anteaters,” pangolins are not related to anteaters or armadillos. They are the only mammals completely covered in overlapping keratin scales. When threatened, they curl into a tight armored ball, making it difficult even for lions to attack them.

They feed mostly on ants and termites, using their long, sticky tongues that can be almost as long as their bodies. Despite their natural defense system, they have no protection against human hunters.

Nigeria: A Major Hotspot

Nigeria is considered one of the key hotspots for pangolin trafficking. Dr. Mark Ofua, a wildlife veterinarian and West Africa representative for Wild Africa, has been rescuing pangolins for more than a decade. He runs an animal rescue center and a pangolin orphanage in Lagos.

Ofua initially began saving pangolins by buying them from bushmeat markets. Today, he focuses on spreading awareness through wildlife education programs for children and by encouraging celebrities and musicians to promote conservation on social media.

Nigeria is home to three of Africa’s four pangolin species. However, many people in the country are still unaware of what a pangolin is.

Dr. Ofua once shared an incident where a group of young men saw him transporting rescued pangolins and asked what they were. He jokingly replied, “baby dragons,” but the moment made him realize the seriousness of the issue.

“If people do not even know what a pangolin looks like, how do you protect them?” he said.

Trafficking Still a Serious Threat

Although some reports suggest a slight decline in pangolin trafficking since the COVID-19 pandemic, conservationists warn that poaching continues at an alarming rate, especially in parts of Africa.

On World Pangolin Day, experts are urging governments, communities, and individuals to raise awareness and take stronger action to protect these unique animals before it is too late.

Pangolins may not be as famous as elephants, rhinos, or tigers, but their survival is equally important for maintaining biodiversity and protecting wildlife ecosystems worldwide.