№ 95 of 100
Sunda Pangolin
Manis javanica
A creature that defends themselves by rolling into an armoured ball — perfect against tigers, useless against poachers who simply pick them up.
- Range
- IndonesiaMalaysiaThailandVietnamMyanmarCambodiaLaos
- Region
- Asia
- Habitat
- Lowland rainforest, plantations and gardens of Southeast Asia
The story
Pangolins are the most trafficked wild mammals on Earth, their scales — mere keratin, like fingernails — ground into traditional medicine. Seizures of Sunda pangolin scales run to the tens of tonnes; rescue centres in Vietnam release rehabilitated survivors fitted with tracking tags into guarded forest.
What's killing them
- World's most trafficked mammal — scales and meat
- Organised smuggling networks
- Habitat loss
- Electric fences and snares
Who's fighting for them
TRAFFICTRAFFIC — Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network
WWFWorld Wide Fund for Nature
Re:wildRe:wild — Global Wildlife Conservation
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Quick answers
How many Sunda Pangolins are left in the world?
Approximately Unknown — declined >80% in 21 years. The Sunda Pangolin (Manis javanica) is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, and their population trend is declining. Figures are estimates compiled from the IUCN Red List and conservation organisations.
Where does the Sunda Pangolin live?
The Sunda Pangolin is found in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos (Asia). Their habitat: Lowland rainforest, plantations and gardens of Southeast Asia.
Why is the Sunda Pangolin endangered?
The main threats to the Sunda Pangolin are: World's most trafficked mammal — scales and meat; Organised smuggling networks; Habitat loss; Electric fences and snares.
Who is working to save the Sunda Pangolin?
Organisations working on Sunda Pangolin conservation include TRAFFIC — Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network; World Wide Fund for Nature; Re:wild — Global Wildlife Conservation.