Recognizable by their distinctly scaly armour, pangolins are a species synonymous with illegal wildlife trade. These animals are considered the most trafficked mammals in the world. They are heavily exploited for their scales and meat, which are misconceived to have medicinal properties.

 

They are solitary, secretive, and nocturnal, making them hard to study in the wild. Of the eight species of pangolin found in Africa and Asia, two are found in India, the Indian and Chinese pangolin. A recent scientific study indicates the family might be bigger, by uncovering a ninth species through analysis of seized scales. Illegal wildlife trade is causing these animals to rapidly disappear from parts of their natural habitat. Without a concentrated and comprehensive effort, it is likely these species will not survive into the future.

 

This film was developed by the Counter Wildlife Trafficking team of WCS-India and Dusty Foot Productions.