World Pangolin Day 2026: 500,000 Seized Globally

More than half a million pangolins were seized globally between 2016 and 2024, underscoring the scale of illegal wildlife trade as World Pangolin Day 2026 draws attention to the species’ plight. A new report by CITES reveals that 553,042 pangolins were involved in 2,222 seizures across 49 countries during the eight-year period. At least 74 countries were linked to illegal trade, spanning 178 distinct trafficking routes.

Scale and Routes of Illegal Trade

The report notes that nearly 99 per cent of confiscated items were pangolin parts, particularly scales. China and Viet Nam emerged as the main alleged destinations, while Nigeria, Mozambique, Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo were identified as key origin countries. Ten countries accounted for 96 per cent of total seizures.

Despite enforcement efforts, illegal trade continues to involve all eight pangolin species. Overexploitation for international trafficking, domestic use and habitat loss has left every species threatened, with classifications ranging from high to extremely high extinction risk under the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.

Species Under Severe Threat

Pangolins, scaly placental mammals, are divided into four Asian and four African species. Among them, Manis tricuspis (white-bellied pangolin) was the most trafficked in quantity, while Manis temminckii (Temminck’s pangolin) featured in the highest number of seizure incidents. The Temminck’s pangolin, the only species in South Africa, is projected to decline by 30–40 per cent over three generations due to trafficking.

Although 59 per cent of seizures were identified to species level — an improvement from 40 per cent in 2021 — 83 per cent of total trafficked quantities were not species-specific, limiting targeted conservation responses.

Important Facts for Exams

• Pangolins are the only mammals wholly covered in keratin scales.
• All eight pangolin species are listed under Appendix I of CITES, prohibiting international commercial trade.
• The Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) and Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) occur in India.
• China and Viet Nam are major destination markets for illegal pangolin scales.

Important Facts for Exams

• At least 553,042 pangolins were seized globally between 2016 and 2024.
• 74 countries and 178 trade routes were linked to illegal trafficking.
• Zimbabwe recorded the highest number of arrests related to pangolin trade.
• India categorised its native pangolin species as ‘Data Deficient’ in 2021 reporting.

India’s Conservation Challenges

India is home to two species — the Indian pangolin and the Chinese pangolin — distributed across varied landscapes from the Himalayan foothills to peninsular forests. While not a primary global hub, India remains both a range and destination country. Seizures destined for India have been reported, and domestic demand persists. Experts emphasise stronger enforcement, updated population assessments and improved species identification to curb trafficking effectively.