Survival on the Brink: Where Do Pangolins Fit in the Fight for Climate, Culture, and Conservation?

By Sitarin (Minnie) Divari - Thailand

Pangolins, often nicknamed "living dinosaurs", are extraordinary creatures with an ecological significance frequently overshadowed by their tragic plight as the world’s most trafficked mammals. Beyond their shy demeanor and charming armor-like scales, pangolins play a vital role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems across Asia and Africa. However, their survival faces constant threats—not just from poaching and illegal trade, but also from habitat destruction and the escalating impacts of climate change. Continuing the previous article “A Glimpse into 'The Most Trafficked Animal in the World' – Thailand’s Pangolins Continue to Be Exploited at an Alarming Rate”, this piece follows the ecological contributions of pangolins, the threats they face, and the delicate act of balancing between cultural tradition and conservation efforts.

Guardians of the Forest: Pangolins and Ecosystems

Pangolins are nature's oldest pest controller, responsible for maintaining the balance in their ecosystems. Feeding on insects like ants and termites, a single adult pangolin can consume over 70 million insects annually, regulating pest populations that could otherwise wreak havoc on crops and cause enormous economic losses to farmers. Additionally, by curbing termite activity, pangolins help protect human structures like homes and other buildings which termites would otherwise infest and weaken (IFAW).

Figure 1: Pangolin emerging from its burrow in a termite mound (Kristen Harrison)

Beyond their dietary habits, pangolins contribute to ecosystem health through their burrowing behaviors. As they dig into the ground in search of food and shelter, they naturally aerate the soil, improving its structure and promoting nutrient cycling. This process allows water and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the earth, fostering healthier plant growth and contributing to the resilience of ecosystems. In addition, their digging boosts habitat diversity, as abandoned pangolin burrows often become homes for other species, including birds, reptiles, and small mammals (Chao et al.).

Threats from Climate Change and Habitat Loss

Like many other species, pangolins face devastating consequences from the rapidly changing climate and the destruction of their natural habitats. Many pangolin species inhabit tropical and subtropical forests that are sensitive to temperature and precipitation conditions. As climate change intensifies, these ecosystems are altered, reducing the availability of the ants and termites that pangolins depend on for survival. Prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, increased fires, and rising temperatures devastate insect populations, disrupting the pangolins' primary food source. This forces them to venture farther outside their habitat in search of sustenance, further exposing them to predators, poachers, and human harm (Panaino).

Figure 2: Photo by Carl de Souza/AFP/Getty. A fire in the Amazon rainforest (The Guardian)

Habitat destruction further accelerates the decline in pangolin populations as forests and grasslands are cleared for agriculture and infrastructure, depriving pangolins of shelter and reliable sources of food. With a low reproductive rate, typically producing only one offspring per year, it’s easy to see why populations struggle to recover loss rates (Save Pangolins). On top of that, removing trees weakens ecosystems, reducing biodiversity and increasing the risk of climate-induced disasters such as fires, landslides, and floods, leaving pangolins with fewer places to live and reproduce.

Navigating Conservation and Tradition

The pangolin’s plight is not only a matter of ecology but also one of culture. Despite their vital ecological role and the efforts dedicated to their restoration, pangolins remain relentlessly targeted by the illegal wildlife trade, with poaching posing the greatest threat to their survival. This crisis is fueled by the high demand for their keratin scales, falsely believed to possess medicinal properties, and their meat, regarded as a luxury delicacy in certain cultures. Astonishingly, it’s estimated that this demand perpetuated the trafficking of over 890,000 pangolins globally between 2000 and 2019 (Illegal Wildlife Trade).

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists three species, including the Palawan pangolins, as critically endangered, with others classified as endangered or vulnerable. To address their declining populations, countries like China have implemented laws banning pangolin hunting and the use of pangolin scales, reflecting the pangolin’s status as CITES Appendix I species. CITES (The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) regulates and monitors the international trade of endangered species, and the pangolin’s status as Appendix I affords them the highest level of protection by banning all commercial trade to prevent exploitation (CITES). Despite these legal attempts, enforcement remains a significant challenge as corruption, weak law enforcement, and the complexity of dismantling smuggling networks allow the illegal trade to persist (Niu).

Community Engagement

While stricter measures may seem like the solution, the deep-rooted cultural beliefs in the healing properties of pangolin scales underscore the need for a nuanced and culturally sensitive approach. Pangolins are deeply intertwined with cultural and medicinal beliefs across many regions, particularly in Asia and Africa, making it challenging to place both conservation and cultural heritage on equal footing. Addressing these deeply rooted practices requires a thoughtful strategy that honors cultural heritage while promoting sustainable alternatives. For instance, one promising approach appears to be educational campaigns led by community leaders and traditional medicine practitioners. These trusted figures can effectively dispel myths about the medicinal properties of pangolin parts and promote scientifically backed alternatives, such as plant-based remedies or synthetic substitutes (Journeys in Conservation).

Moreover, programs integrating pangolin conservation into school curricula foster a new generation of environmentally conscious individuals. By teaching children about the pangolins’ critical conservation status and their importance in maintaining healthy ecosystems, these initiatives aim to instill lasting behavioral changes. In Vietnam and China, NGOs have partnered with local schools and communities to promote plant-based alternatives to pangolin scales, displaying that sustainable solutions can align with cultural traditions. For example, the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) has collaborated with indigenous communities to preserve forest habitats while providing alternative livelihoods, significantly reducing hunting pressure on pangolins (Wildlife Trust of India). Similarly, Save Vietnam’s Wildlife organization runs education programs and workshops that empower local populations to act as pangolin conservation ambassadors (Save Vietnam’s Wildlife).

From the Shadows to the Spotlight: The Global Effort to Save Pangolins

Luckily, international efforts to save pangolins have also gained momentum in recent years, bringing together governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), researchers, and local communities. One notable initiative is WildAid, whose campaign, "When the Buying Stops, the Killing Can Too," has made waves in reducing consumer demand for wildlife products, including pangolin scales and meat. Through high-profile media campaigns and celebrity endorsements, they have reached millions of people, particularly in regions where demand for pangolin products is highest. Their work reminds us that reducing consumer demand is just as important as stopping poachers on the ground (WildAid). Similarly, the Pangolin Crisis Fund provides vital support for conservation projects across Africa and Asia, financing initiatives such as rehabilitation programs, behavioral research, and anti-trafficking operations, giving rescued pangolins a second chance in the wild (Pangolin Crisis Fund).

Thailand, one of the biggest countries responsible for wildlife trafficking, has made notable progress in combatting the illegal trade of pangolins. Collaborating with international organizations, Thai authorities employ X-ray scanners at checkpoints, intercept illegal shipments, and train officers on the latest anti-smuggling tactics. Yet, enforcement alone is not enough as promoting ethical wildlife tourism and public awareness campaigns within Thailand are equally important in reducing local demand for pangolin products (The Wildlife Department).

Ultimately, balancing conservation with tradition requires collaboration between governments, NGOs, and local communities. Policies that support sustainable livelihoods, alternative medicine, and habitat restoration must work in tandem with education to ensure both cultural preservation and species protection. As traditions evolve, they can embrace sustainable practices that honor cultural heritage while safeguarding pangolins for future generations.

A Call to Action: Easier Said Than Done

The plight of pangolins accentuates the interconnected nature of conservation challenges. Defending pangolins is not just about saving a single species—it is a vital part of preserving biodiversity and maintaining healthy ecosystems. As climate change accelerates, we must adapt our strategies to address the overlapping threats these gentle creatures face (IUCN). While progress is being made, there is still much work to do. The efforts of WildAid and the Pangolin Crisis Fund show that success is possible when governments, NGOs, and local communities unite. Nevertheless, conservation isn’t a simple task—it’s a global responsibility that demands persistence, innovation, and, above all, collaboration. Protecting pangolins requires a united global effort, with individuals, communities, and governments working together to combat poaching, restore habitats, and challenge outdated practices. By respecting the past while safeguarding the future, we can ensure that pangolins continue to play their crucial role in the natural world for generations to come.

As individuals, we can help by supporting conservation organizations, advocating for stronger wildlife protection laws, and reducing demand for pangolin products. Together, we can shift the narrative from exploitation to protection. Start by educating yourself and others about the plight of pangolins, supporting eco-friendly businesses, and donating to reputable wildlife conservation initiatives. The time to act is now—because when we protect pangolins, we protect the future of our planet.

Bibliography

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

Chao, Jung-Tai, et al. “The Role of Pangolins in Ecosystems.” Elsevier EBooks, Elsevier BV, Nov. 2019, pp. 43–48, https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-815507-3.00003-4. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

CITES. Pangolins (Manis spp.): Document 39 to the Nineteenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, 2022, https://cites.org/sites/default/files/documents/E-CoP19-Inf-39.pdf. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

“Ecological Education and Nutrition Program – Journeys in Conservation.” Journeysinconservation.org, 2024, journeysinconservation.org/environmental-education-nutrition/. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Panaino, Wendy. “Tswalu Kalahari Reserve.” Tswalu, 15 Feb. 2021, tswalu.com/the-secret-life-of-pangolins/. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

Thomson, Paul. “Save Pangolins.” Save Pangolins, 5 May 2015, www.savepangolins.org/news/2019/4/24/thousands-of-pangolins-trafficked-in-indonesia-seized-and-burned. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.

Harrison, Kristen. “Sleepy Pangolin Emerges from Burrow | Luxury African Safaris,South America & South Asia Tours|AndBeyond.” Luxury African Safaris,South America & South Asia Tours|AndBeyond, 28 Sept. 2023, www.andbeyond.com/sightings/sleepy-pangolin-emerges-from-burrow/. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Heinrich, Sarah, et al. “IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Manis Javanica.” IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Name, 2 May 2019, www.iucnredlist.org/species/12763/123584856. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.

Harvey, Fiona. “Amazon near Tipping Point of Switching from Rainforest to Savannah – Study.” The Guardian, The Guardian, 5 Oct. 2020, www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/05/amazon-near-tipping-point-of-switching-from-rainforest-to-savannah-study. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.

ifaw. “Pangolins: Ecosystem Gardeners Worth Conserving.” IFAW, 16 Feb. 2023, www.ifaw.org/international/journal/pangolins-ecosystem-gardeners. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Illegal Wildlife Trade. International Trade and Trafficking in Pangolins. Illegal Wildlife Trade, https://illegalwildlifetrade.net/resources/international-trade-and-trafficking-in-pangolins/. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Niu, Yuhan. “Product Labels May Be Failing to Protect Pangolins in China.” Dialogue Earth, 20 Apr. 2023, dialogue.earth/en/nature/product-labels-may-be-failing-to-protect-pangolins-in-china/#:~:text=China’s%20Wildlife%20Protection%20Law%20bans,the%20%E2%80%9Cspecial%20purposes%E2%80%9D%20exception. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024.

WildAid. “WildAid.” WildAid, 2017, wildaid.org/. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

Wildlife Trust of India. "Tangkhul Naga Community Sign Resolution Banning Pangolin Hunting in Manipur." Wildlife Trust of India, 2023, https://www.wti.org.in/news/tangkhul-naga-community-sign-resolution-to-ban-pangolin-hunting-and-consumption-in-manipur/. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

“WWF - Endangered Species Conservation | World Wildlife Fund.” World Wildlife Fund, 2024, www.worldwildlife.org/. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

“Updates.” Pangolin Crisis Fund, 13 July 2023, pangolincrisisfund.org/updates/. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

Save. “Save Pangolins.” Save Pangolins, 2022, www.savepangolins.org/what-is-a-pangolin/? Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Save Vietnam’s Wildlife. "Pangolin." Save Vietnam’s Wildlife, https://svw.vn/pangolin/. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.