Pangolins are elusive, nocturnal, and sparsely distributed. Low detectability makes population estimates difficult. Combined with poaching, rarity is increasing. Their secretive nature has contributed to myths and misidentification. Even in protected areas, sightings are uncommon. This rarity fuels conservation urgency.
It underscores the importance of research and monitoring.
Global awareness campaigns rely on emphasizing rarity.
Pangolins are sometimes called “ghosts of the forest.”
World Wildlife Fund (worldwildlife.org)