Protecting Pangolins

As we near the end of 2025, we are proud to share a series of meaningful achievements across our pangolin conservation programmes. Thanks to your support, we are not only protecting one of the world’s most trafficked and vulnerable mammals but also strengthening entire ecosystems and the communities who depend on them. This work demands persistence, collaboration and deep respect for both people and wildlife, and we are grateful that you continue to stand with us.

Safeguarding the Giant Ground Pangolin in the Nyekweri Forest, Kenya

Our field partners in the Nyekweri Forest have continued to pour their energy into securing critical habitat for the Giant Ground Pangolin. Much of the recent progress has centred on working with landowners to bring additional parcels of land under conservation lease agreements. These leases are expanding safe habitat while also ensuring local people receive fair, long-term benefits for protecting wildlife.

One of the most uplifting moments of the year occurred when a Giant Ground Pangolin mother and pup were recorded on leased land. This confirmed that the collaborative strategy is working and that newly protected spaces are providing real refuge. Earlier in April, camera traps also captured Saruni, a known individual who had not been seen for 15 months. His reappearance brought immense hope, reminding the team that the forest still holds secrets and that some individuals may be ranging beyond the currently surveyed areas. In one week alone, at least six individuals were recorded, hinting at a stable and quietly resilient population.

Despite these successes, the species still faces life threatening hazards. Electric fencing remains one of the greatest dangers, as pangolins often become trapped between wires. Our teams have been working closely with landowners to modify fences by removing electric charge below 65 centimetres, taking away lower wires and in some cases removing the fences entirely. These changes require trust and open dialogue, but the willingness of landowners to participate reflects a growing appreciation for the species.

Strengthened ranger patrols and faster response systems, supported by our GlobalGiving community, are also helping deter poaching and improve landscape security. Protecting pangolins does much more than save one species. It enriches forests, sustains biodiversity and supports the many communities who depend on healthy ecosystems.

Changing Attitudes in Cameroon: The No Pangolin on My Plate Campaign

The No Pangolin on my Plate Campaign is a behaviour change initiative in Cameroon that works with restaurants and local communities to reduce the sale and consumption of pangolin meat by shifting attitudes and raising conservation awareness. This has continued to make a tangible difference.

One powerful example came from Mr Bakassa, who worked at Mrs Siani’s restaurant. Although the owner initially refused to take part in the campaign, Mr Bakassa later reached out privately to learn more. He agreed to participate, even though this decision almost cost him his job. His determination, shaped by increased awareness and a strong sense of responsibility, eventually convinced his employer to join the campaign. She later recommended another bushmeat selling restaurant to the team, widening the reach of the programme. Stories like his show how a single individual can drive change in their community.

Another story of transformation came from Douala, where the young manager of Le Rav restaurant, Vincent, first turned the team away. After watching the campaign video out of curiosity, he began researching on the project website and was surprised by what he learned. He ultimately pledged to stop selling pangolin meat. Moments like this demonstrate the growing shift from awareness to action.

Progress in Vietnam: A New Outlook in Traditional Medicine

In Vietnam, our project partners work within the traditional medicine sector has started to reshape long held beliefs. Following the 2025 Conference on Wildlife Protection in Traditional Medicine, their team visited shops in Hue City to understand current practices. Two practitioners refused to supply pangolin scales and instead explained why plant-based alternatives are safer, more effective and more affordable. One practitioner gently reminded us that medicine should heal, not harm other living beings.

This shift is remarkable. Only two years ago, many practitioners strongly favoured wildlife-based remedies. Today we are witnessing real change, born from patient engagement and respectful dialogue. These moments are heartening reminders that conservation progress often begins with changed minds, not changed laws.

Looking Ahead

Your support makes all of this possible. Without it, we would not be securing habitat, improving fencing, supporting rangers or inspiring meaningful behavioural change across three countries. While challenges remain, the progress made in 2025 has shown that recovery is possible for pangolins when communities and conservationists work together.

Thank you for being part of this journey. With your continued support, we can build a world where these remarkable animals can survive and flourish.

Recent updates from our project partners indicate encouraging progress for pangolin conservation in the Nyekweri Forest, where a combination of community-led land protection and species monitoring is delivering amazing results.

Two new wild pangolins have been documented in the past month by our partners. The first pangolin was identified via a camera trap: a healthy pup seen riding on its mother’s tail, indicating a successful recent birth. The second was an adult male, sighted by a local student riding his bike home one evening. He immediately alerted the team, who responded quickly and confirmed it was a previously unknown individual. This marks the first live pangolin reported by the community in over six months and is a direct outcome of long-term outreach and education with local households.

Both sightings occurred in areas of protected forest now secured through conservation lease agreements. These agreements, held and managed by local conservancies, guarantee 15 years of protection across over 7,000 acres of community land. This model ensures that landowners are directly compensated for conserving critical habitat, and that conservation is driven by the people who live alongside it.

Habitat restoration and the deactivation of electrified fencing have significantly reduced threats to wildlife, including pangolins. The pangolin pup and adult male were both found in areas where fencing has been made wildlife-safe and where disturbance is actively minimised through lease compliance and community patrols.

Community guardians play a critical role in this success. They regularly engage with families to raise awareness about the threats facing pangolins, monitor leased areas, and respond to sightings. Their outreach has directly led to increased trust, better reporting, and improved data on pangolin movement and health.

Every reported pangolin sighting is verified by the monitoring team, and local residents are invited to be present during rescue or release operations. This approach encourages transparency and fosters shared responsibility for wildlife protection.

These developments confirm that the conservation model in place is working. The protection of intact habitat, combined with active community participation and real economic incentives, is creating the conditions for wild pangolins not only to survive but potentially begin to recover.

While challenges remain, these recent updates offer genuine cause for hope. Pangolins are present, breeding, and being protected by local people who are increasingly empowered to lead conservation on their own terms.

Your continued support helps make this possible, enabling habitat protection, community engagement, and the recovery of one of Africa’s most threatened and elusive mammals.