Protecting pangolins in Southern Africa

The Journey of Malume

I am delighted to share a recent update from our project partners, PCRF, who are working at the grassroots of pangolin conservation.  Following a recent call with PCRF we are currently providing urgent support for veterinary and rehabilitation costs.  Your kind gifts are helping to ensure continued support to this vital work. Thank you.

A Sobering Rescue
In September, a young pangolin named Malume began his extraordinary journey toward freedom and recovery. Rescued by local wildlife trafficking enforcement officers, Malume narrowly escaped the clutches of the illegal wildlife trade. He had been confined to a backpack, a stark symbol of the grim reality faced by pangolins every day as they are poached and trafficked for quick profits. This intervention not only saved Malume’s life but is also a sobering reminder of the critical need to protect these vulnerable creatures.

The Road to Recovery
Upon his rescue, Malume was in poor physical condition, requiring immediate medical attention, nourishment, and a safe environment to regain his strength. Recognizing his resilient spirit, he was named “Malume,” meaning cousin, to signify his bond with the wild. Watched by the team as he foraged under the stars on his first night back in nature was a deeply moving moment, a poignant reminder of what’s at stake and why our amaing project partners, PCRF, continue this vital work.

Milestones in Rehabilitation
Over the past three months, Malume’s journey has made remarkable progress. Recently, he discovered a thriving termite nest, feasting for over 30 minutes. While this may seem like a small achievement, it is a significant milestone in his recovery, signaling his growing strength and the re-awakening of his natural instincts.

Rehabilitation is an intricate and demanding process. Each pangolin’s path to the wild involves comprehensive medical care, meticulous monitoring, and countless hours of hands-on support to rebuild their physical and behavioral health. For Malume, every step, from learning to forage to regaining his independence, represents the culmination of tireless efforts by the dedicated PCRF team.

A Collective Effort for Conservation
Malume’s story is a testament to the power of collaboration and unwavering dedication. It highlights the importance of donors like you, and our partnerships with local, grassroots conservation organisations, and their relationships with local government departments.

Your support helps to enable our project parters in the rescue, rehabilitattion, and release of pangolins and other endangered species, giving them a second chance at life in the wild.

As Malume continues his journey, we are reminded of the resilience of nature and the critical role we play in its preservation. Thank you for being an integral part of this mission. Together, we are ensuring that pangolins like Malume can thrive in their rightful homes, free from harm.

Stay Connected
We’ll continue to share updates on pangolins like Malume as they progress on their paths to recovery and freedom. Thank you for your continued support in helping to protect these incredible creatures and their habitats.

All photographs are courtesy of our Namibian project partner PCRF.

New space to help increase local capacity building

With thanks to all our donors, our most recent additional support to our local project partner, Pangolin Conservation and Research Foundation (PCRF) has enabled them to secure new office space and accomodation to operate altogether as one team, which includes space to host and accomodate research students and interns. 

This new accomodation is vital to the delivery of their work on the ground as efficiently and effectively as possible, as well has now having sufficient space to welcome essential specialist volunteers to assist with pangolin research, which includes Martha a local MSc intern and PCRF Administrator, Andrea.

Pangolin Tagging

In May the Nyae Nyae Pangolin Project reported another success.

Whilst community members were out collecting firewood they came across a pangolin and immediately contacted PCRF's Pangolin Ranger team. The ranger team were immediately deployed to tag the pangolin for its protection, monitoring and research.  This is only the second pangolin tagged by our project partners within a broadleaf woodland ecosystem, and data collected will help bring greater insight for conservation planning and guidelines.

All pangolins are handled by trained professsionals under research permits with ethical clearance. To minimise any stress to the animal, handling time is kept to a minimum, without sedation. the tagging and measuring process often takes less than 15 minutes conducted where the animal was found.

Thank you for your kind support!

Through your donations to Pelorus Foundation you are helping to protect and preserve our planets endangered wildlife and wild places. We can only do what we do through the support of people like you. On behalf of all our local project partners thank you for being on this journey to conserve and protect our planets vital biodiversity.

All photos are courtesy of our local project partner, PCRF.

Links:

• Protecting pangolins in Southern Africa