Tracking the traffickers: Unmasking the illegal trade demographics of Temminck’s pangolin in South Africa (2016–2024)

Pangolins (Order: Pholidota) are considered a very rare and threatened group of mammal taxa, and are widely recognized as the most trafficked mammals globally. In recent years, Africa has become an increasingly important source to supply demand, particularly from Asian markets. However, the extent and scale of the trade within South Africa remains poorly documented. Our study aimed to investigate the extent of the illicit trade in the Temminck’s pangolin ( Smutsia temminckii ) in South Africa between 2016 and 2024. We investigate the category of pangolin commodity in the form of live animals, whole carcasses, skins or only scales. We further attempt to find an association of this trade with suspects nationality, asking price and, for those cases heard, the court outcome of sentences. We recorded a total of 302 pangolin retrieved from the trade, the large majority still alive (81.4%), followed by dead carcasses (8%), skins (7.6%) and scales only (3%). Pangolins were retrieved in eight of the nine South African provinces, primarily in Limpopo (n = 120, 39.7%) and Gauteng (n = 91, 30.1%), with an annual average spike in the austral spring month of October. A total of 679 individual suspects were arrested in 276 separate police operations, of which 51% were known nationalities; predominantly South African (n = 170) followed by Zimbabwean (n = 119). Fifty-seven (52.9%) of the total cases that proceeded to court were finalized. Victim impact statements (endangered species status and law governing the species in South Africa) compiled by a species specialist were added to the docket in 63% of cases and contributed to more jail sentences imposed, longer jail terms and, in cases of a fine imposed, heftier fines. We propose the appointment of dedicated public prosecutors within specific provinces who specialize in wildlife crime, along with the development of national guidelines for cases involving particular taxa, such as pangolins. This would assist regional magistrates’ courts better navigate the complexities of wildlife law enforcement.