Protecting Pangolins

In August 2024, David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) launched an innovative new campaign focused on raising awareness about the plight of pangolins through the use of advanced AI technology. The campaign, which provides a unique and immersive perspective, captures the harrowing journey of a pangolin as it is caught by poachers, trafficked, and ultimately brought to a market where live animals are kept in poor conditions before being sold. Pangolins, prized for their scales—made of keratin, the same material as human fingernails—are highly sought after in traditional medicine practices in parts of Asia, and their meat has become a delicacy in some regions.

Pangolins hold the unfortunate distinction of being the world’s most trafficked mammal, with an estimated one million taken from the wild in the past decade. This equates to approximately 300 pangolins every day. Experts warn that without urgent conservation action, pangolins could face extinction within the next decade. DSWF have been actively involved not only in supporting frontline projects but also in influencing international policies to safeguard the future of these remarkable animals.

Pangolins are notably difficult to keep or raise in captivity, with very few successes recorded. As a result, all pangolins found in trade are sourced from the wild, exacerbating the threat to their survival. With Asian species already severely depleted, African species are increasingly being targeted, including the elusive giant pangolin. In Africa, pangolins are further endangered by the bushmeat trade and by the growing demand from international markets.

Watch the campaign here

DSWF, alongside our project partners, have undertaken crucial interventions to protect pangolins, including the rescue of two giant pangolins from potentially fatal encounters with electric fences in Kenya. Electric fences, while intended to protect crops and livestock, can be deadly for pangolins, whose instinct to curl into a ball when threatened leads to repeated and often fatal electric shocks. Tragically, other pangolins have not been as fortunate, with several found dead near these fences, their scales removed, presumably for sale.

Efforts to safeguard the remaining pangolin population in this region are ongoing. DSWF has supported the engagement of landowners, protected significant areas of forest habitat, and removed critical threats, including portions of electric fencing. Through this work, we are helping to develop community governance systems and alternative livelihoods, aiming to ensure that those living alongside wildlife can benefit from conservation.

Despite these efforts, challenges remain. While progress has been made in de-electrifying fencing and protecting habitats, the erection of new fences and the reluctance of some landowners to engage in conservation pose ongoing risks. DSWF is exploring alternative strategies, such as the development of "pangolin-friendly" fencing, and remains committed to securing additional land for conservation, restoring forest habitats, and fostering community governance. As a result of these actions, Jackson, a local farmer, turned off the lower lines of his electric fence after learning about the specific threats these fences pose to pangolins. This small yet significant change has helped reduce the danger to pangolins while still protecting his crops and livestock.

As we continue this vital work, we recognise the growing demands on operational capacity and the need for increased funding to sustain these efforts. The recent campaign highlights the urgency of reducing threats to pangolins and the importance of ongoing support at both local and international levels to ensure the survival of this endangered species.

As always, thank you for your generous support in providing a more sustainable future for pangolins, and the communities that live alongside them.

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In Kenya, DSWF remain dedicated to protecting the habitats of pangolins and supporting conservation initiatives with our boots on the ground partners, particularly focusing on the protection of one of the last remaining populations of giant pangolins in Kenya.

Electric fences continue to pose a significant threat to the survival of giant ground pangolins within our partner’s operational area, with fatal incidents occurring relatively frequently. Pangolin sightings are not a common occurrence due to their elusive nature, but two were spotted in April. The first was spotted near to an electric fence and not in any immediate danger, however by the time our partners responded to the call that a second pangolin had been spotted dangerously close to a fence, the pangolin had sadly already been caught in the fence and died as a result. Landowners residing alongside wildlife are increasingly erecting electric fences to protect their agricultural crops and livestock from wildlife damage, as well as to ensure human safety from species such as elephants. While intended as deterrents, these fences inadvertently become lethal traps for pangolins, as they push through fences to access ant and termite nests within their home range. Once initially electrocuted, pangolins instinctively try to defend themselves by curling into a ball, often around the lowest electrified strand. The act that they believe will protect them from harm is what ultimately leads to the repeated shocks, resulting in their death.

Despite the challenges associated with these electric fences, new sightings of giant ground pangolins bring us hope. Although live pangolin pups have yet to be observed, promising signs indicate that the population is reproductively active. Observing pangolin pups in their natural habitat is an incredibly rare occurrence; this is primarily attributed to the solitary, nocturnal nature of these animals. Pangolins often retreat into burrows or dense vegetation during daylight hours, making them challenging to spot. There are a few ways that our partner’s may be able to speculate reproductive success in a pangolin population. These include sightings of pregnant or lactating females, the presence of juvenile pangolins of varying ages, and observations of increased activity during breeding seasons. Further confirmation may come from the potential discovery of nesting or birthing sites, which further contribute to understanding the reproductive success and long-term viability of pangolin populations.

While the situation remains concerning, the discovery of new individuals fuels our determination to bolster our efforts and expand initiatives aimed at ensuring the survival and repopulation of this critically endangered species. As always, thank you for your generous support in providing a more sustainable future for the pangolins and the communities that live alongside them.

Stay up to date with our work and how your generous support is making a difference, receive exciting wildlife conservation stories and hear about forthcoming campaigns, fundraising initiatives, and events: Sign Up