DNA Mapping of Pangolins: Tracking Wildlife Trafficking and Poaching Networks

20 May 2026

Scientists have developed advanced “DNA maps” to identify pangolin trafficking routes and poaching hubs across Asia and Africa.

DNA Mapping and Pangolin Trafficking

Genetic Mapping Technique: Researchers used advanced population genomics and targeted 671 key genome locations to trace the geographic origin of trafficked pangolins.
Objective: The study aimed to identify trafficking hubs and understand links between domestic and international pangolin trade networks.
Key Findings: The research identified major trafficking hotspots in southwestern Cameroon, southwestern Borneo and around Myanmar for different pangolin species.
India Linkages: Evidence suggested trafficking networks from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and possibly Bhutan supplying pangolin scales through Yunnan in China.
Importance of DNA Databases: Geo-referenced genetic databases help enforcement agencies identify poaching sources and strengthen wildlife-crime investigations.

DNA mapping is a scientific technique used to identify the arrangement and specific locations of genes or genetic markers on a chromosome or genome.
Applications:
- Wildlife Conservation: DNA mapping helps trace poaching hotspots, identify trafficked species and monitor genetic diversity in endangered animals such as pangolins and tigers.
- Medical Research: It is used to detect genetic disorders, study inherited diseases and support development of personalised medicine.
- Forensic Science: DNA mapping assists in criminal investigations, victim identification and biological evidence analysis.
- Agriculture and Biotechnology: Supports development of disease-resistant and high-yield crop varieties through genetic improvement programmes.
- Evolutionary and Population Studies: Scientists use DNA mapping to study species evolution, migration patterns and population relationships across regions.

The Indian Pangolin is a nocturnal, scale-covered mammal found in the Indian subcontinent and is among the world’s most trafficked mammals.
Habitat: It inhabits tropical forests, grasslands, scrublands, agricultural fields and dry regions with loose soil suitable for burrowing.
Distribution: The species is distributed across India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and parts of Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Key Features of Indian Pangolin
- Protective Scales: Its body is covered with hard keratin scales that act as armour against predators.
- Specialised Diet: Indian pangolins primarily feed on ants and termites using their long sticky tongue and strong claws for digging.
- Solitary Behaviour: It prefers solitary living except during breeding periods.
- Burrowing Ability: It creates deep burrows for shelter and protection, contributing to soil aeration and ecosystem balance.
Conservation Status of Indian Pangolin
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
- IUCN Red List: Endangered
- CITES Protection: Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

Illegal Wildlife Trade: Pangolin scales and meat are trafficked for traditional medicine, luxury food consumption and superstitious beliefs.
Habitat Loss: Deforestation, mining and infrastructure expansion are reducing natural habitats and increasing human-wildlife conflict.
Weak Enforcement Networks: Cross-border smuggling routes and organised wildlife-crime syndicates complicate conservation efforts.

Strengthening Law Enforcement: DNA mapping improves prosecution by scientifically linking seized wildlife products to poaching hotspots.
International Cooperation: The technology supports transnational coordination against illegal wildlife trade networks.
Biodiversity Conservation: Scientific tracking tools help protect endangered species and preserve ecological balance.
Policy and Monitoring Support: Genomic databases enable targeted conservation planning and improved wildlife-surveillance mechanisms.

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