COVID-19 and Pangolins: the Facts

UPDATE: See our full Frequently Asked Questions about COVID here

Pangolins have received global attention with the news that the COVID-19 pandemic likely came from pangolins in a Chinese wet market. Now, many people are learning about this little known creature for the first time and want to know more about pangolins and their connection to COVID-19.

A paper released in Nature gives us the most recent science. The study showed that pangolins were found to carry coronaviruses closely related to SARS-CoV-2 (a.k.a COVID-19). The viruses were 88.5-92.4 % similar, which means we still cannot say definitively that pangolins were the intermediate host that passed SARS-CoV-2 to humans, but it is indeed possible. It certainly underscores the fact the trade/consumption of pangolins should be prohibited to avoid future zoonotic transmission, since we know they carry various strains of coronavirus.

Does this mean people should fear or persecute pangolins? Definitely not. It's key for people to remember that pangolins are harmless to humans otherwise.

To avoid future wildlife-related pandemics — and related loss of life, economic collapse, and other turmoil — we need to end the illegal wildlife trade.

What can you do to help? Stay informed. Share the facts with your friends. Support pangolin conservation.

See our full Frequently Asked Questions about COVID here



Photo: © Paul Hilton for WildAid

Photo: © Paul Hilton for WildAid