Wildlife Conservation Uganda Project #28549

Protecting Pangolins

Summary

Pangolins are currently the most illegally trafficked mammals on Earth. Our aim is to counter the wildlife trafficking of pangolins and to improve the long-term survival of the species in the wild. By disrupting organised criminal syndicates involved in the trafficking of pangolins in Africa, empowering law enforcement officials and funding demand reduction campaigns in Asia, DSWF works at all levels of the illegal wildlife crime cycle to ensure the survival of this 80-million-year-old species.

$20,000
total goal

$2,957
remaining

174
donors

1
monthly donor

5
years

Challenge

Over one million pangolins are believed to have been traded illegally in the last decade, making them the most heavily trafficked wild animal in the world. Pangolins are in high demand for their meat which is considered a local delicacy, for their scales for medicinal purposes in Asia, and their leather for wearable goods in the USA.

Solution

DSWF supports investigators and prosecutors with rigorous training and mentoring to equip them with the capabilities to build strong cases for the prosecution of wildlife crimes associated with pangolins. In Asia, we support demand reduction campaigns to increase public awareness of the crisis, debunk the false belief that pangolin scales hold medicinal value, and build broader support for the conservation of pangolins.

Long-Term Impact

The project will discourage poaching, increase prosecution levels and empower communities to not partake in the consumption of pangolin parts and their derivatives. DSWF's support also aims to stop the demand of pangolin products, help change consumer behaviour in Asia and inform people about the need to protect pangolin populations to avoid the extinction of this incredible species.