Since 2000, the major threat to all pangolin species has been the illegal poaching of pangolin. Pangolins are now killed and trafficked in huge numbers because their scales are used in traditional Asian medicine, their meat is considered a luxury food in many parts of Asia, and their scales and skins and other parts are used for various purposes. As a result, there is a rampant illegal global    trade in pangolins and their parts. The demand comes principally from China and Vietnam. Pangolins in South East Asia have been decimated and the trade has now shifted to African pangolin species. In Kenya there are three species of pangolin that are now threatened with extinction.

Pangolin protection faces unique challenges. Pangolin are nocturnal and solitatry animals and poaching of pangolin is a silent affair that often goes undetected. Existing ranger teams need support and information to develop effective protection strategies and operational and technical support to identify pangolin habitatIn response to this The Pangolin Project was established in late 2019 by Dr. Claire Okell. We are an affiliated programme of The Africa Wildlife Fund and work in collaboration with Kenya Wildlife Service.

The Pangolin Project is a not for profit initiative that is dedicated to protecting pangolin and their habitat in Kenya . Our work is focussed around three key pillars :

1. Applied conservation research
Applied conservation research provides evidence and information for protection of pangolin. We focus on three key areas:
a. Monitoring the status of pangolin and their habitat needs to inform protection strategies in key areas
b. Utilising technology to safe guard pangolin: Technology is a powerful tool in the safeguarding vulnerable species. We are exploring how state of the art technology can be used by antipoaching and intelligence teams to protect pangolin from being poached
c. Understanding poaching and the trade of pangolin using situation crime prevention method.

2.Sustainable protection
We believe collaboration is key. We are working with existing government county and conservancy
ranger teams to train them how to recognise pangolin habitat and enhance pangolin protection. In addition we are focussed on empowering community members to protect pangolin.
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We carry out training and support ranger teams to identify strategies that will ensure pangolin remain in situ.

3. Advocacy and awareness
We are increasing awareness and focus towards pangolins among all our partners and the wider conservation community and across our rapidly growing societies. This includes utilising traditional and contemporary education methods through the classroom, radio and other media.

4. Health and welfare of pangolin
Pangolin that are caught in the trade require specialist veterinary care and attention. We are supporting veterinary teams and facilitate training of vets and researchers to ensure that pangolin can be safely retuned back to the wild in a safe habitat.

Links:

Website: www.thepangolinproject.org