Pangolin: The World's Most Trafficked Mammal

A pangolin walking across grass in the wild
Critically Endangered

Manidae family (four Asian species, all Critically Endangered)

The only mammal on Earth covered head to tail in scales.

THE NUMBER
≈500,000

pangolins were seized from traffickers between 2016 and 2024 across 75 countries, making them the most trafficked mammal in the world.

Source: IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group, 2024 to 2025 report

Why they're at risk

Pangolins are poached for their scales, used in traditional medicine, and for their meat. Habitat loss across their range in Asia and Africa adds to the pressure.

Wild facts

1
Their scales are made of keratin; it's the same material as human fingernails and hair.
2
Their name comes from the Malay word pengguling, meaning "one who rolls up." When threatened, they curl into a tight, armored ball.
3
A pangolin's tongue can be longer than its own body, built for scooping ants and termites out of deep tunnels.

See it in the wild

About The Pangolin Crisis Fund, via Wildlife Conservation Network

How your plush helps

Every Snugglebug pangolin plush supports the Pangolin Crisis Fund, which funds anti-trafficking patrols and habitat protection across pangolin range countries.

Meet Pangolin Crisis Fund →

Bring the wild home

Printable coloring page

A coloring sheet for after unboxing.

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Keep exploring

See the rest of the endangered species crew and shop more plush friends.

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