More stories from the Pangolin Champions. In this post, we hear from Dr. Mark Ofua, who works with Saint Mark’s Animal Hospital in Nigeria to rescue, rehabilitate, and release pangolins to protected forests; and Carla Mousset who has been working in Gabon to inspire leadership in pangolin conservation by engaging people and communities in the creation of a Gabon Pangolin Working Group.

What is it like to save pangolins around the world? In celebration of World Pangolin Day, we spoke with two of our Pangolin Champions: Kumar Paudel, who works in Nepal to document threats and enhance public engagement to save pangolins and Elisa Panjang, who works in Malaysia to reduce poaching and address illegal wildlife trade of pangolins.

Sir David Attenborough lends his voice to pangolins in honor of World Pangolin Day 2022, in an article and video originally posted by TRAFFIC.

Pangolin Champion Elisa Panjang is working to advance conservation efforts for Sunda pangolins in Malaysia. She spends long hours in the field tracking pangolins to inform her understanding of remaining populations and distribution. In addition to field work, she is involved in both local and global efforts to raise awareness for the species, which are currently listed as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List.

Pangolin Champion Charles Emogor is currently studying white-bellied pangolins in Nigeria and working with local communities to reduce threats to the endangered species. This article by Mongabay takes a closer look at his work, the current status of pangolins in Nigeria, and why projects like his are crucial to save these species from extinction.

The global illegal market for pangolin meat and scales is threatening pangolins around the world, but in South Africa they face an additional threat: electric fences. Accidental electrocution on electrified fences in rural areas leads to as many as 1,000 pangolin deaths annually. But that may change with the new Pangolin Friendly Farm Fencing project being led by our partner Pangolin.Africa.

Rhino Revolution, a grantee of Save Pangolins, has been working to raise the profile of pangolins in South Africa and integrate pangolin conservation into their work to support and protect rhino and other endangered species. With Save Pangolins’ support, Rhino Revolution launched the Pangolin Protection Program in 2021, a holistic approach to conservation that works closely with community outreach, anti-poaching, educational specialists and pangolin rehab organizations.

Early on in the pandemic, as governments announced shelter in place orders and trade restrictions, illegal wildlife trade became strained. Global attention turned to wildlife consumption and trade as the possible source for Covid-19 and in response, wildlife traffickers started to have difficulty selling their products.

The Goldman Environmental Prize is awarded every year to six individuals in recognition of their major contributions to the world’s gravest environmental challenges. These individuals are largely grassroots environmental activists whose dedication has inspired and mobilized others around the world to join their cause and create change. Since 1990, the Goldman Environmental Prize has recognized six global citizens, chosen to represent the world’s six inhabited continental regions, who are connected by a common thread: dedication to protecting the natural world.

World Pangolin Day is the third Saturday in February and each year it is a day that the global pangolin community comes together in celebration of these unique and wonderful animals. There are many ways one can celebrate pangolins. This year, we hosted Run For Pangolins, our first ever virtual charity run and were blown away by the support we received.