Pangolin.Africa
An Interview with Toby Jermyn (Chief of Party)
Conservation and Anti-Trafficking Initiatives
During an hour long interview with Toby we discussed the range of Pangolin.Africa’s activities including its purpose, objectives and methods to protect this highly endangered and most trafficked mammal.
Introduction
Pangolin.Africa was established in 2018 with a mission to protect pangolins through a combination of conservation, education, research, and anti-trafficking efforts across the African continent.
Pangolin Conservation and Anti-Trafficking Activities
Field Surveys and Guide Engagement
During Covid Pangolin.Africa conducted a large-scale survey of 500 guides from southern and eastern Africa. The survey included questions such as, “Have you ever seen a pangolin?” and yielded surprising responses about the frequency and circumstances of pangolin encounters in the wild. Most safari guides had never seen a pangolin! Additionally, guides were asked how they would handle seeing a pangolin in its natural habitat and what actions they would take if they witnessed pangolin trafficking.
Education and Partnerships
The organisation partners with safari operators to educate guides on how to minimise their impact during pangolin encounters. They have developed the Pangolin Guardians education programme, targeting both safari operators and local communities, to raise awareness and promote responsible behaviours around pangolins.
Rehabilitation and Release
Efforts are underway to establish safe release sites for rehabilitated pangolins. Recognising the economic realities faced by subsistence farmers, Pangolin.Africa addresses trafficking concerns with sensitivity, working to balance livelihoods and conservation.
Legal and Judicial Outreach
The organisation is also committed to educating members of the judiciary on effective prosecution strategies for anti-pangolin trafficking cases. In addition, research initiatives monitor and analyse pangolin trafficking routes to inform future interventions.
Outreach and Funding
Pangolin.Africa funds a range of conservation programmes. For example, they have acquired an ultrasound scanner to check pangolins for pregnancy and provide vehicles for field operations. The organisation also utilises crowdfunding and charitable donations to support its conservation activities. A key aspect of their outreach is cautioning against the promotion of “cutesy” pangolin-human bonds, which could inadvertently increase the demand for pangolins as pets. Pangolin.Africa emphasises that pangolins do not make good pets and should remain in the wild.
Technological Innovations
AI and Image Analysis
Researchers are developing an artificial intelligence model capable of identifying individual pangolins by analysing the unique scale patterns visible in images submitted via the Pangolerts platform and from camera trap data.
Drone Surveys and Thermal Imaging
Pangolin.Africa’s partners employs drone equipped with thermal imaging cameras to count pangolins over large areas. This advanced methodology involves flying drones to detect the heat signatures of animals, the images are then captured and analysed using specialised software. This approach allows for accurate counts and estimates of pangolin population numbers, even in challenging environments such as dense vegetation, low light conditions, or at night. It provides valuable data on species distribution, movement patterns, and population health, offering significant advantages over traditional ground-based surveys by enabling non-intrusive monitoring and access to difficult terrain.
Information Resources
Pangolin.Africa is developing “Pangopedia”, a comprehensive, AI-powered information resource dedicated to expanding knowledge and awareness about pangolins.
So, you want to see a pangolin?
No one in the safari business is going to guarantee that you’ll see a pangolin on your safari but Safari Co can put you in the best place(s) to see this illusive and endearing creature. Call now: +442039294375 email: safari@safarico.uk or complete a CONTACT form.
.
