By Sheena Thiruselvan | Communications Associate
While out on regular patrol, Wildlife Alliance forest rangers operating in Koh Kong province in southwestern Cambodia, combed through the Southern Cardamom Rainforest, dismantling illegal houses and stopping suspicious vehicles. When one such vehicle heading towards Koh Kong Town refused to pull over, the unit reacted quickly and pursued the suspected traffickers.
After a dramatic motorcycle chase, the suspects were trapped by incoming rangers. Instead of surrendering themselves, they dropped their motorcycle and took to the bushes on foot. The unit responded swiftly, and within minutes the suspects were captured and handcuffed. After a quick search of their vehicle, it was found that the offenders were in possession of a live pangolin. The offenders were taken to Koh Kong Town, where they were charged with wildlife trafficking and are awaiting trial.
Very little information is available about pangolins in the wild as they are rarely observed due to their secretive, solitary, and nocturnal habits. They are also very hard to care for in captivity due to their sensitive natures, and little research or evidence exists on their survival rates post-release. There are no standard release protocols for pangolins – a situation we hope to address with our new pangolin release project. A new pangolin release enclosure has just been constructed at Wildlife Alliance’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Station and we have fitted a few suitable pangolins with state-of-the-art transmitters that will allow for close monitoring post-release. After an acclimation period in their enclosure, the pangolins will be released and we will be able to start collecting data on their behavior and on our strategies and protocols that will support their long-term survival.
Help us save the most traffcked mammal in the world this #GivingTuesday! Your gift will help rangers rescue more pangolins, conduct vehicle checkpoints, remove traps and stop poachers. Thank you for your continued support, we have only 38 days to raise $1,797, and need your help to reach our goal and prevent this shy and gentle species from disappearing forever!
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