We’re saving the world’s most trafficked mammal
The most trafficked mammal in the world and yet many people never even heard of it—meet the pangolin! These adorable creatures are poached at alarming rates, with over 100,000 killed every year. Their blood is used as a folk remedy, their skin is turned into luxury leather, and their meat is considered a delicacy. Nobody knows how many pangolins are left in the wild, and they’re in serious danger of disappearing forever.
The mission
Pangolins are vital for maintaining healthy forest ecosystem. They eat up 20,000 termites and ants every day, helping to protect forests from damage. Just one pangolin can eat enough termites to protect over 40 acres of land. Without pangolins, termite populations would run unchecked. Plus, when pangolins dig for food, they help make the soil richer and healthier. They’re an essential keystone species, earning them the name “guardians of the forest”.
Our partner Save Vietnam’s Wildlife is one of the few organizations in Vietnam that successfully rescues and releases pangolins. They save pangolins from traffickers across the country, nurse them back health at their center and eventually release them back into the wild where they belong. Thanks to the Planet Wild community, we were able to support Save Vietnam’s Wildlife in their mission. Together, we funded eight new breedings enclosures, 20 sleeping boxes to safely house newly rescued pangolins, and seven fully stocked vet cabinets.
What we achieved
Ideal outcome
Our Partner
Lê Minh Chiến holds a degree in Natural Resource Management from Vietnam National University of Forestry. Driven by a lifelong passion for wildlife, Chiến joined Save Vietnam’s Wildlife in October 2022. His skills and knowledge are making a real impact on conservations efforts across Vietnam.
Our Partner
Lê Minh Chiến holds a degree in Natural Resource Management from Vietnam National University of Forestry. Driven by a lifelong passion for wildlife, Chiến joined Save Vietnam’s Wildlife in October 2022. His skills and knowledge are making a real impact on conservations efforts across Vietnam.