At a glance
- IUCN category
- CR · Critically Endangered
- Animal group
- Mammals
- Population trend
- Decreasing
- Last verified
Conservation overview
The Chinese pangolin is a scale-covered, ant-eating mammal of Asia. It is assessed as Critically Endangered.
Like other pangolins it rolls into a ball when threatened and is heavily trafficked.
Range & habitat
Southern China, the Himalayan foothills, and parts of Southeast Asia.
Major threats
Threats below are drawn from the authoritative sources listed on this page. For the current, complete assessment, see the IUCN Red List.
- Poaching and trafficking for scales and meat
- Habitat loss
Why it matters
Among the most trafficked mammals on Earth, the Chinese pangolin is a frontline species in the global fight against the illegal wildlife trade.
Sources
Sources for Chinese Pangolin
- IUCN Red List — look up Chinese Pangolin (authoritative status)
- Animal Diversity Web
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Chinese pangolins so threatened?
They are hunted intensely for their keratin scales (used in some traditional medicines) and their meat, making them among the most trafficked mammals, on top of habitat loss.
What do pangolins eat?
Ants and termites, which they lap up with a long, sticky tongue after tearing open nests with strong claws. See the IUCN Red List for the species' status.
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