Pangolins

Pangolins are shy, intelligent mammals covered in protective scales. Often called “scaly anteaters,” they play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by controlling insect populations. A single pangolin can eat thousands of ants and termites per day, helping keep nature in balance.

But pangolins are endangered and under increasing threat. As the world’s most trafficked mammals, they are targeted for their scales and meat. The illegal wildlife trade, habitat loss, and exploitation are pushing pangolins towards extinction. 

Here, you can explore facts about pangolins, learn about pangolin behaviour, discover the threats they face, and find out how you can help protect them.

On this page

• Pangolin facts and information
• Pangolin-related campaigns
• Pangolin news
• Pangolin videos
• Pangolin reports and research
• Help protect the pangolins
• Pangolin FAQs

Pangolin facts and information

Did you know that there are eight different pangolin species across Africa and Asia? Each is highly specialised to its environment, making them especially vulnerable to change. 

Another interesting pangolin fact is that their scales are made of keratin, the same material as human hair and fingernails. These overlapping scales act as armour, protecting them from predators.

Pangolins also have highly adapted diets. Their keen sense of smell and powerful claws help them locate and break into insect nests, and they use their sticky tongues to consume up to 20,000 insects every day.

To learn more pangolin facts, take a look at our latest resources:

Pangolin-related campaigns

The illegal wildlife trade is one of the biggest drivers behind pangolins’ endangered status. Demand for pangolin scales in traditional medicine continues to drive poaching and trafficking across the globe, with around 8.5 million pangolins taken from the wild in recent years.

At World Animal Protection, we are working to end this exploitation and protect pangolins.

Learn more about our work below.

Pangolin news

Stay up to date on the latest developments in pangolin conservation and the global effort to protect them.

Pangolin videos

Watch pangolins in action and learn more about their unique behaviour, their role in ecosystems, and the urgent need to protect this incredible animal.

Help protect the pangolins

Pangolins are an essential part of our natural world. By controlling insect populations, they help maintain balanced ecosystems on which other species depend.

They are also sentient animals — pangolins can feel fear, stress, and pain. Yet millions are taken from the wild and subjected to cruelty through the illegal wildlife trade every year. Pangolis do not survive well in captivity, often suffering from stress, disease, and injury — even when rescued.

That means it’s up to all of us to work together to protect them.

Help us protect pangolins and their future by:

• Raising awareness and sharing facts about pangolins and their sentience
• Supporting efforts to end demand for pangolin scales in traditional medicine
• Calling for stronger laws to tackle illegal wildlife trade and protect pangolins
• Choosing wildlife-friendly alternatives and avoiding products linked to exploitation

You can also support our work at World Animal Protection by donating today. Your support helps fund campaigns, advocacy, and solutions that protect pangolins worldwide. 

Donate to help pangolins

Together, we can give pangolins the wild life they deserve. 

Pangolin FAQs

What is a pangolin?

Pangolins are animals covered in protective keratin scales. Though their scales can make them look like reptiles, pangolins are mammals and feed on ants and termites. A unique pangolin behaviour is their defensive mechanism: curling into a ball to protect themselves from predators.

Why are pangolins endangered?

Pangolins are endangered due to illegal wildlife trade. Demand for pangolin scales in traditional medicine has driven widespread poaching, while habitat loss further threatens their survival.

What do pangolins eat?

Pangolins eat ants and termites. Their specialised feeding habits make them important for controlling insect populations and maintaining ecosystems.

Are pangolins the most trafficked animals in the world?

Pangolins are widely recognised as the most trafficked mammals in the world, with illegal trade driven by global demand and organised criminal networks.

Where do pangolins live?

Pangolins are found across parts of Africa and Asia, depending on the species. 

African pangolins live in a range of habitats, including savannahs, grasslands, and tropical forests. Asian pangolins are more commonly found in forests, woodlands, and agricultural areas. Different species have adapted to different habitats — some dig burrows underground, and some live in trees in the forest. 

How can we help protect pangolins?

We can help protect pangolins by sharing pangolin facts, reducing demand for wildlife products, and supporting efforts to end the illegal wildlife trade.