The Pangolin Specialist Group brings together experts from Asia, Africa and around the world who are working to scale up pangolin conservation. Our members’ activities fall into four main categories:

Conservation Research

This  comprises research on pangolin ecology, biology and behaviour and the threats that they face. It includes but is not limited to:

•  Collating seizure data and trade information in order to understand trade dynamics and inform interventions;
•  Developing standardised methods for surveying wild pangolins;
•  Developing conservation breeding, rehabilitation and reintroduction protocols;
•  Undertaking research into pangolin behaviour and ecology; and
•  Conducting genetic research to learn more about pangolin population dynamics and species in trade.

 

Protecting Pangolins and their Strongholds

Stopping poaching of pangolins is an immediate conservation priority while managing trade confiscated animals is a necessity. Pangolin Specialist Group members are:

•  Identifying pangolin strongholds in order to prioritise areas for on-the-ground protection;
•  Implementing or supporting patrol-based monitoring at pangolin strongholds;
•  Working with local communities to build capacity and engender support for pangolin conservation; and
•  Rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing pangolins back in to the wild.

 

Policy Recommendations

Providing scientific advice on pangolins and their conservation to national and international policy-makers, including to:

•  CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora);
•  National governments, regional economic integration organisations (e.g., EU) and other stakeholders;
•  Other stakeholders on a variety of topics as and when appropriate.

Demand Reduction & Awareness Raising

Reducing demand for pangolins is necessary to address the main threat to their survival, poaching and illegal trade driven by demand for pangolin meat and scales. Pangolin Specialist Group members are:

•  Conducting research into demand for pangolin derivatives within range states and where international trade is concerned, in end consumer markets;
•  Raising awareness and the profile of pangolins and the need for their conservation globally, through social, print and broadcast media, public seminars and talks, and by disseminating the results of scientific research.

Scaling up Pangolin Conservation (2013-2016)

This short film shows some of the highlights of our members’ work between 2013 and 2016.