Pangolins are one of the most endangered animals in the world, yet many people wouldn't recognise this unique species. Today on World Pangolin Day we hope to raise awareness of the world’s only truly scaly mammal and share our commitment to help save this species from the brink of extinction.

Pangolins improve their environment, improving soil quality and thus plant growth while they dig. 

Unfortunately for pangolins, they are the world’s most trafficked mammal. They are highly desirable for their meat and for traditional medicine, especially in Vietnam and China.  Scales and meat from as many as 4,000 individual animals have been confiscated from single shipments. As pangolins only produce one young per year, none of the 8 species of pangolin, 4 in Africa and 4 in Asia, can withstand this level of exploitation. 

Taronga is committing to work with partners to help ensure pangolins do not go extinct. We are focussing our efforts on the pangolin nearest Australia, the Sunda Pangolin. We will do what we can to contribute to international efforts. Some of our work will be influencing behavioural change, some will be involved in working with on-ground partners in habitat protection and law enforcement, and some with partners involved in managing confiscated animals. 

 We're looking forward to more exciting opportunities in April when we celebrate this remarkable species for the whole month. Read more here.