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A Glimpse into 'The Most Trafficked Animal in the World' – Thailand’s Pangolins Continue to Be Exploited at an Alarming Rate

By Sitarin (Minnie) Divari - Thailand


Thailand, one of the most visited countries in the world, is renowned for its beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Yet, a disturbing reality lies in the shadowed corners of this country– the notorious wildlife exploitation. From macaques and tigers forced to perform tricks to riding elephants and taking pictures with lions, countless animals are used for profit through tourism, poaching, and illegal trading. Among these animals is the pangolin, also known as the most trafficked animal in the world. Rampant illegal trading has driven all 8 species into the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) red list, with some classified as critically endangered (The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species). Despite international demands for attention, these gentle, scaly mammals continue to be poached at alarming rates; the WWF estimates one is killed every 3 minutes (WWF).


This article will dive into the pangolin's plight, including their value to the black market, smuggling routes that sustain the trade, and ongoing efforts to combat this illegal industry.


(Unsplash)



The Use of the Pangolin


The pangolin, often called a "living dinosaur," is the only mammal completely covered in protective scales, and they are extremely valuable on the black market. These scales are made of a protein called keratin, the same material as human fingernails, and are believed to have healing properties beneficial in traditional medicine, particularly in China and Vietnam. Once harvested and dried, the scales are typically ground into a fine powder and used in medicinal concoctions, including pills, tonics, and teas. In some practices, the scales are boiled in oil or roasted before being crushed, with the remaining substances added to creams and ointments (National Geographic). Although no scientific evidence supports these claims, these preparations are then consumed as remedies for conditions such as poor circulation, skin diseases, or even arthritis and cancer, perpetuating an endless demand for pangolin parts (WWF).


In addition to their scales, pangolin meat is consumed as a luxury dish in certain regions, especially among the wealthy who view it as a status symbol. The skin of pangolins, though less commonly sought after, is also transformed into leather products like bags, boots, and belts. With high values in their meat, scales, and skin, pangolins have become a prime target for poachers since the mid-20th century, making it essential to push pangolins into the spotlight of international conservation efforts (WWF).


(“Photos | the Associated Press”)



A Vulnerable Species: Why Pangolins?


Pangolins are considerably easier to capture when compared to larger animals such as elephants or rhinos, mainly due to their nocturnal and solitary nature and peaceful demeanor. Their primary defense mechanism when threatened is to curl up into a tight ball, using their scales as a protective barrier (WWF). Unfortunately, their lack of aggression makes pangolins a popular target for poachers as they’re low-risk and don’t require heavy weaponry to subdue.


Pangolins feed on ants and termites, using their strong claws to dig into nests and their long, sticky tongues to lick the insects. Their specific diet and behavior make them highly susceptible to environmental changes, and the declining populations are further amplified by habitat loss from deforestation and land development (ZSL). 


(Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation)



Smuggling Networks: From Forests to Markets


The illegal trade of pangolins is a highly organized and profitable operation where smugglers employ various tactics to transport them across borders. Thailand, unfortunately, plays a crucial role in this network, often serving as a transit hub for smuggling from Africa to different parts of Asia. However, Thailand also acts as a source country of pangolins itself, with local populations being depleted to meet the high demands in neighboring countries (The Wildlife Department). Malaysia is another key player in the smuggling network with politicians reportedly involved in illegally transporting pangolins to China. 


(The Wildlife Department)


In Africa, Ethiopia serves as the main origin for the trade, drying pangolin scales and shipping them to countries like Thailand and Malaysia, before reaching their final destinations in China and Vietnam. Fueled by corruption and weak law enforcement, these regions make it easier to operate and send illegal shipments abroad, where smugglers fake cargo documents to pass detection. Smugglers tend to work in a highly organized manner, with delegated roles for each stage of the process including shipping and transporting. This meticulous division of labor ensures that every aspect of their smuggling activities runs smoothly, and the result is a highly efficient system that makes it extra challenging for authorities to intervene and apprehend those involved (The Wildlife Department).


(Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation)


Between 2017 and 2019, at least 49 massive air cargo seizures in Thailand revealed illegal shipments; each carrying a devastating minimum of 500 kg of dried pangolin scales, with the largest reaching up to 1,200 kg. Despite the risks and severe consequences if caught, pangolins continue to be viewed as a rewarding trade, as one kilogram, comprising approximately three pangolins (depending on size) sells for around 50,000 baht or $1,450 (The Wildlife Department). It’s important to keep in mind that criminals involved in pangolin smuggling are usually engaged in the illegal trade of other wildlife species as well, and may even be connected to selling unauthorized drugs. These groups and individuals primarily operate within the black market, seeking any means to generate quick cash.



Combating the Trade: Efforts and Challenges


Wildlife officers in Thailand are on the front lines of the fight against pangolin smuggling, with 47 wildlife inspection offices stationed across the country. Their vigilant efforts are critical in quickly detecting and intercepting smugglers by monitoring airports, ports, and borders before they can reach their next location. As pangolins are often smuggled through forests and countryside in hopes of evading law enforcement, officers use X-ray scanners to detect trucks passing through. For instance, they are concealed as other goods as multiple fruit trucks have been found to contain secret compartments with pangolins hidden under piles of fruit as smugglers attempt to use deceiving tactics to conceal their contraband (The Wildlife Department).


Despite these efforts, significant civilian obstacles remain. Some villages aid smuggling operations by choosing to ignore illegal shipments passing through, to even capturing pangolins themselves, all in exchange for cash. Farmers working in the fields may stumble upon Sunda pangolins (a species native to Thailand) while working, and easily capture them if they’re aware of their market value. These communities often struggle with poverty, where those who are not directly involved in the illegal wildlife trade find the promise of money hard to resist, and ultimately become inadvertent accomplices (The Wildlife Department).


(Freeland Foundation)


The battle to protect pangolins in Thailand is a constant struggle against both sophisticated criminal networks and economic desperation. Regardless of each difficulty, the dedication of wildlife officers provides a glimmer of hope in the fight against animal trafficking. Addressing this issue requires multifaceted efforts: law enforcement, economic support, and community education. Together, these approaches reduce the incentives for locals to support or turn a blind eye to the smuggling of these endangered animals (Save Pangolins).



From Seizure to Sanctuary: The Fate of Smuggled Pangolins


Relocation is one of Thailand’s wildlife department’s priorities after intercepting live pangolins as these sensitive creatures need to be returned to their natural habitat as soon as possible. Each smuggled pangolin undergoes DNA testing to determine its species and region of origin, which helps guide conservation efforts and confirms the animals are sent back to the correct habitat (The Wildlife Department). 


However, intercepted pangolins in Thailand don’t always have a straightforward process in their journey back into the wild. Live pangolins can be injured during transport or capture and need medical attention, while others may be retained as court evidence. But even when the pangolin is eventually returned to nature—given that it is no longer needed in the law enforcement process and is healthy enough for release—the procedure can still be costly and face logistical challenges, especially if the pangolin is intercepted far from its natural habitat or requires specialized care for reintroduction. On the other hand, confiscated dried pangolin scales are kept for scientific research or legally sold to markets, with some being repurposed into items like watches if permitted by law (The Wildlife Department).


(The Bangkok Post)


Regrettably, the difficulties don't end there. Caring for pangolins in captivity for extended periods is extremely challenging due to their specialized dietary and environmental needs. Other than primarily consuming insects, they need specific humidity and temperatures to stay healthy, which is difficult to maintain in artificial settings. As a result, long-term care for confiscated pangolins is both complex and resource-intensive. Furthermore, pangolins are easily stressed as environmental changes can negatively impact their psychological and physical well-being. This stress can exacerbate any injuries or illnesses sustained during capture or transport, complicating their rehabilitation and eventual reintroduction into the wild (WFFT).


There is a complex balance of protecting endangered species while navigating legal and financial constraints. Efforts to address the illegal wildlife trade and support conservation must include not only effective law enforcement but also substantial investment in rehabilitation and reintroduction programs. Increased funding is the essence of advancing research, improving care facilities, and developing both humane and efficient processes for managing live and pangolin parts. Collaboration between wildlife agencies, conservation organizations, and local communities is pivotal to overcoming these challenges and ensuring the survival of pangolins along with other endangered species. By directing more resources toward these efforts, we can enhance our scientific understanding and improve the effectiveness of our conservation strategies to contribute to the long-term recovery of these vulnerable creatures ultimately. Our goal should be to create a strong support system that balances legal, scientific, and conservation priorities, verifying a sustainable future with the best outcomes for future pangolins and all wildlife (Save Pangolins).


(Save Pangolins)



The Unseen Tragedy of Pangolins


When I first began researching the issue of pangolin trafficking, one question suddenly struck me: “Why aren’t pangolins talked about more?” In a world where protection efforts for elephants, rhinos, and tigers often take center stage, illegal pangolin trading remains largely in the shadows.


Perhaps it’s their reclusive personality and nocturnal habits that make them less visible and harder to empathize with. However, the sheer scale of their exploitation is staggering. Large shipments of pangolin scales weighing hundreds to thousands of kilograms are intercepted regularly, yet these stories barely ever make headlines.


The silence surrounding pangolins is almost as troubling as the illegal trade itself, as it perpetuates a cycle of ignorance that only aids traffickers in their cruel business. For these reasons, it’s important to raise awareness and provide education on pangolin conservation to preserve these animals for future generations. Pangolins may be quiet and solitary, but their survival solely depends on our collective voice and action.


Follow the Pangolin Protection Initiative projects or (@pangolinprotect_ppi) on Instagram to join the fight for pangolin rights. The PPI informs you about vital conservation efforts through captivating visuals, success stories, and regular updates on ongoing challenges. Your engagement directly impacts our mission—every follow, share, or interaction amplifies awareness and drives action. Join the movement today and be a voice for the voiceless; together, we can contribute to a brighter future for pangolins.




Bibliography


An Officer from Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation. Personal communication. 21 June 2024.


Associated Press. “More than a Ton of Endangered Pangolin Scales Seized in Thailand.” Voice of America, Voice of America (VOA News), 18 Aug. 2023, www.voanews.com/a/more-than-a-ton-of-endangered-pangolin-scales-seized-in-thailand-/7230282.html. Accessed 26 Sept. 2024.


Getty Images. “Pangolin Hunting for Ants.” Unsplash.com, Unsplash, 30 Aug. 2022, unsplash.com/photos/pangolin-hunting-for-ants-LvWGMG-HOzo. Accessed 26 Sept. 2024.


“IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.” IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Name, 2024, www.iucnredlist.org/search?query=pangolins&searchType=species. Accessed 26 Sept. 2024.


“Pangolin | Species | WWF.” World Wildlife Fund, 2020, www.worldwildlife.org/species/pangolin. Accessed 26 Sept. 2024.


“Pangolins: The Most Trafficked Mammal You’ve Never Heard Of.” National Geographic, 2016, www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/pangolins#:~:text=There%20are%20eight%20species%20of,the%20IUCN%20as%20critically%20endangered. Accessed 26 Sept. 2024.


PR. “Critically Endangered Pangolin Returned to the Wild by WFFT.” Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand, 18 Feb. 2023, www.wfft.org/wildlife-trade/critically-endangered-pangolin-returned-to-the-wild-by-wfft/. Accessed 26 Sept. 2024.


Reuters. “UK Dogs to Sniff out Pangolin Smugglers in Thailand.” Bangkok Post, 28 Feb. 2023, www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2517201/uk-dogs-to-sniff-out-pangolin-smugglers-in-thailand. Accessed 26 Sept. 2024.


Save. “Save Pangolins.” Save Pangolins, 2016, www.savepangolins.org/conservation. Accessed 26 Sept. 2024.


“The Zoological Society of London.” Zsl.org, 2022, www.zsl.org/what-we-do/species/pangolins. Accessed 26 Sept. 2024.


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