Pangolins are poached primarily due to high demand for their scales and meat. Their scales are believed to have medicinal properties in traditional Asian medicine despite no scientific evidence supporting these health benefits. Pangolin meat is considered a delicacy in countries like Vietnam and China. Additionally, their body parts are also trafficked for use in fashion and traditional rituals. This demand has made pangolins the most trafficked mammal in the world, leading to severe population declines and making them critically endangered in some species. Poachers exploit their slow movement and defense mechanism, which involves rolling into a ball, making them easy targets. The illegal wildlife trade targeting pangolins is driven by both cultural beliefs and economic incentives from international trafficking networks. All eight species of pangolins are protected under international law, but enforcement struggles persist due to the lucrative black market, especially in China and Vietnam, which are the main consumer markets. The poaching impacts go beyond biodiversity loss, fueling transnational criminal activities including illegal weapons trade. In summary, pangolins are poached because their scales are falsely believed to have medicinal benefits, their meat is a luxury food item, and their body parts are used in traditional medicine and rituals—all driving a massive illegal wildlife trade and severe threats to their survival.
