About
The Sunda Pangolin is a critically endangered mammal native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, where it is one of the region’s most unique and elusive species. Its population has declined dramatically due to illegal wildlife trafficking, making it the most heavily trafficked mammal in the world. Pangolins are hunted for their scales, which are used in traditional medicine despite having no proven medical value, and for their meat. Habitat loss from deforestation and agricultural expansion has further reduced their numbers.
As specialized insectivores, Sunda Pangolins consume millions of ants and termites each year, helping regulate insect populations and protect forests from pest outbreaks. Their powerful claws allow them to dig for food, naturally aerating the soil and improving nutrient cycling, which benefits plant growth and other wildlife.
Because they rely on healthy, intact forests to survive, protecting the Sunda Pangolin also helps conserve the rich biodiversity of Southeast Asia’s rapidly disappearing ecosystems and the countless species that share its habitat.