Protecting Kenya’s Pangolins from Extinction

Kenyan scientists and conservationists are working to protect the elusive pangolin species from extinction. They have been able to sacrifice one pangolin to understand how scales lose their weight, allowing them to determine the number of pangolins in a bag or the number of pangolins killed by hunters trying to sell or export them. However, lost tracking tags have been a significant challenge, as one pangolin can disappear within a month.

Pangolins face threats from human activities, illegal trafficking, and illegal encroachment on their habitats. Their scales are highly sought after for traditional medicine and their meat is considered a delicacy in certain regions. Three of the pangolin species found in Kenya are listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). To protect their populations, conservationists are employing innovative methods such as tracking pangolins through their scales and collaborating with local communities to create safe habitats.

The Pangolin Project, a non-governmental organization, is working with landowners in the Nyakweri Forest to mitigate conflicts between pangolins and farmers by modifying electric fences and introducing the Habitat Lease Program. The Nyakweri Forest Conservation Trust has been established to safeguard pangolin habitats, covering almost 2,020 hectares. Kenya’s dedication to pangolin protection serves as a beacon of hope for the future of these remarkable creatures.