Scaling up pangolin detection: Profiling pangolin volatilomes for wildlife forensic investigations

Accurate detection and identification of trafficked wildlife products, including the ability to differentiate species and populations, are critical for monitoring and tracing illicit trade. The deficiency of rapid and non-destructive tools restricts forensic and law enforcement efforts, resulting in overlooked consignments, inaccurate species identifications and low prosecution rates. Previous research has demonstrated that distinct chemical odour profiles can be obtained from illegally traded wildlife products and leveraged to aid in their detection and identification. Building on this foundation, we developed a methodology to characterise the volatilome profile of pangolin scales, which represent one of the most heavily trafficked mammalian products globally. Volatile organic compounds were extracted using headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and analysed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). GC-MS analysis revealed species-specific chemotypes primarily driven by fatty acids, with the m/z 60 Da diagnostic ion enabling differentiation between pangolin scales (Manis culionensis), rhinoceros horn (Diceros bicornis), and goat horn (Capra hircus). We further hypothesised that these findings could support the development of a screening tool to non-invasively detect pangolin presence. Air samples collected from seized pangolin scales and a pangolin enclosure were subsequently analysed via Automated Thermal Desorption (ATD) GC-MS, revealing fatty acids alongside other previously reported compounds. However, further investigation is needed before this method can be reliably applied to environmental samples. Volatilome profiling offers a promising screening method for detecting and identifying pangolin scales and has the potential to strengthen both conservation monitoring and wildlife trafficking forensic investigations.