Spatial analysis of wildlife trafficking and concealment methods: The case of Pangolins

A significant threat to the pangolin species worldwide is the illicit trafficking of the mammal for its scales, meat, and skin. The illicit trafficking of pangolins has a potential impact on public health as it enables the transmission of zoonotic diseases, threatens biodiversity by disrupting ecological dynamics, and compromises international security by empowering criminal networks. In-depth information about the concentration of illicit trafficking of pangolin scales and strategies for concealment around the world is provided by this paper's analysis. Using tools such as SPSS and QGIS, the paper reveals that ninety-four percent of pangolin scales were confiscated from these countries—Nigeria, Vietnam, China, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)—highlighting their crucial role in the pangolin trade worldwide. Pareto chart study highlights the necessity of focusing conservation efforts in these high-volume nations to stop this successfully. Africa (42%) and Asia (57%) account for significant shares of pangolin scale seizures, highlighting the need for focused conservation measures. Diverse objects are used in concealment strategies. The paper concludes that to combat the illicit pangolin trade, there should be more law enforcement, community engagement, education, economic measures, international cooperation, and information sharing.